Thermo electric dryer system and related method

Abstract

A thermo electric dryer for drying clothes includes a rotatable drum into which clothes may be inserted, an evaporator / condenser or condenser unit and a motor. The rotatable drum is configured to be driven by a common shaft. The evaporator / condenser or condenser unit includes a hot side fan disk, a cold side fan disk and a TE disk having thermo electric modules mounted thereon proximate the hot side fan disk. The hot and cold side disks and the TE disk are mounted to the common shaft. The motor is configured to drive the common shaft.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 689234.0064 / 57WOTITLE OF THE INVENTIONThermo Electric Dryer System and Related MethodCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63 / 757,017, filed February 11, 2025 and 63 / 681,946, filed August 12, 2024 and both titled, “Thermo Electric Dryer System and Related Method,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] According to some estimates, ten percent of household electricity is used for drying clothes. Natural gas and electrical resistance heating are the major constituents of this energy use. Experts say that of the eighty-three (83) million dryers in the United States, ninety percent (90%) will be replaced in the next twenty years with higher efficiency units. Recently, heat pump (“HP”) dryers have been introduced because of their increased efficiency. The two common types of heat pump dryers are vapor compression heat pump (“VCHP”) dryers and thermo electric (“TE”) dryers. VCHP dryers are efficient but expensive because of mechanical complexity. A VCHP dryer may cost five times as much as an electric resistance dryer. TE dryers are less expensive than VCHP dryers but are still at the high end of the range of cost for dryers. TE dryers are also relatively complex units and require extensive periodic cleaning of the heat exchange surfaces. To increase the adoption of more efficient HP dryers, simplification is needed.

[0003] The preferred present invention addresses the shortcomings of VCHP and TE dryers, as described herein.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Heat pump clothes dryers are becoming more common as energy prices increase. These machines are more expensive due to their mechanical complexity. The preferred present invention describes a device with few moving parts and an improved condenser design. The condenser uses rotating heat exchange surfaces or co-rotating disks that provide an increased heat exchange rate compared to existing stationary heatfins used on current dryers. The cold side surface is patterned with micro features that improve formation of condensed droplets. Retention of condensed droplets prevents new condensation and, therefore, impedes the heat exchange rate. In addition, rotation provides forces required to dislodge the condensed droplets from the cold heat exchange plate, leaving fresh sites for future condensation. Further, rotation allows the condensate to be slung to the periphery and from there into an outlet collection port. The cold side surface is also patterned with micro features that improve formation of condensed droplets. The rotation speed is calculated to be sufficient to cause a force that is large enough break the bond between the droplet and the cold side plate. Rotation also allows the condensate to be slung to the periphery of the cold plate and from there into an outlet collection port

[0005] The preferred device and system are designed to dry clothes. The evaporator / condenser or condenser unit comprises co-rotating disks with thermo electric modules interspersed between them. The arrangement is a first or hot side disk, a second or cold side disk and a middle thermo electric disk between the first and second disks with thermo electric modules mounted on the thermo electric disk. The first, second and middle disks are mounted on a common shaft and rotate around a common axis. The disks are preferably constructed of a heat conducting material, such as a heat conducting metal. The first, hot side or evaporator disk has axial fins which act as fan blades. The second, cold side or condenser disk has surface features that promote hydrophilic / hydrophobic action to address condensation that forms on the second disk during operation to collect and expel condensate from the hot, humid air exposed to the second disk.

[0006] The hot side heat exchange plate has fins that accelerate the air to a port from a recirculation tube that leads to the dryer drum. The hot side plate is also preferably the heat source for the dryer.

[0007] A temperature differential between the cold and hot side plates is created by multiple TE modules that are located between the hot and cold plates on the middle or thermo electric disk. Electric current is provided to the TE modules in one of several ways. A first method may use carbon brushes that transmit electric current from a stationary source to the rotating TE units via slip rings. The current source is directcurrent and can be modulated to match the drying demand. The second method may use a motor construction that is called a wound rotor construction. This design allows the motor to create rotational force to drive the drum and the hot side fans and cold side condenser, while at the same time providing current to the TE modules. The first method is typically less expensive while the second method may be considered more elegant and efficient and typically has a greater longevity. In the wound rotor design, the rotor windings or rotor coil preferably act as a transformer secondary winding and provide current via the rotating rotor shaft, obviating the need for slip rings.

[0008] A common shaft is preferably mounted to the first, second and middle disks to drive the rotation of the disks, as well as the drum of the dryer. The common shaft is preferably electric motor-driven. The TE modules are preferably powered with DC current generated by slip rings associated with the common shaft and the disks or other DC electric current transmission systems or methods. The common shaft may have a friction wheel that rotates the dryer drum. The air from the hot side disk is piped through the dryer drum where it evaporates water from the wet clothes. The now wet air is partially channeled to the cold side disk where a portion of the water vapor condenses onto the cold side plate and is centrifugally slung to the periphery of the cold side disk where the condensed water is collected and drained from a housing that surrounds the first, second and middle disks. Only a portion of the hot air exiting the drum and passing the hot side disk is diverted to the condenser.

[0009] The preferred system and device include few moving parts and an improved condenser design. The condenser uses rotating heat exchange surfaces that provide for an increased heat exchange rate compared to existing stationary heat fins used on current dryers. Also, rotation provides the force required to dislodge condensed droplets that are captured and form on the cold side heat exchange plate, leaving fresh sites for future condensation. Also, rotation allows the condensate to be slung to the periphery and from there into an outlet collection port. The cold side surface is also patterned with micro features that improve formation of condensed droplets. The rotation speed is calculated to be sufficient to cause a force that is large enough break the bond between the droplet and the cold side plate or disk.

[0010] A temperature differential between the cold and hot side plates is created by multiple TE modules or units that are located between the hot and cold plates or disks. Electric current may be provided to the TE modules in several ways. The electric current may be provided by carbon brushes that transmit electric current from a stationary source to the rotating TE units or modules via slip rings. The current source is preferably direct current and may be modulated to match the drying demand. The electric current may also be provided by a motor construction having a wound rotor. This design allows the motor to create rotational force to drive the drum and the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit, while at the same time providing current to the TE modules. The first carbon brush or slip ring method is relatively inexpensive while the second wound rotor method is more elegant, efficient and will generally have greater working life or longevity. In the wound rotor design the rotor windings or rotor coil may act as a transformer secondary winding and provide current via the rotating rotor shaft, obviating the need for slip rings.

[0011] The preferred device and system is designed to dry clothes but is not so limited and may be adapted for other uses. As a non-limiting example, a clothes dryer includes a rotating drum for enclosure of wet clothes, a loading door with a sliding seal, a lint trap located proximate to the loading door, a motor for spinning the drum and rotating the heat exchange plates and a fan. A drive wheel engages the drum to the motor via a friction wheel. An inlet tube connects the lint trap to the hot side fan inlet where the hot side fan propels air to the dryer drum via an outlet tube. TE modules heat the fan and thereby the air that flows through the tube and hence to the dryer drum where the clothes are heated, thereby vaporizing the water contained therein. The TE modules are connected to the hot side plate / fan and to the cold (condensing) plate and co-rotate with the plates. A portion of the hot wet air is introduced into the cold side via a shunt valve and a tube. This turns the vapor into a liquid where it is ejected via the cold side drain located at the periphery of the cold side casing.

[0012] The disk / TE / fan arrangement may be electric motor-driven. The TE modules are provided with direct current through slip rings and other means. A common shaft has a friction wheel that rotates the dryer drum.

[0013] The evaporator (hot side) / condenser (cold side) consists of co-rotating disks with thermo electric modules interspersed between them. The arrangement is hot fan diskI thermo electric device / cold disk co-located on a common axis. The disks are preferably constructed of a heat-conducting metal. The hot side disk has radial fins which act as fan blades. The condenser disk has surface features which promote hydrophilic / hydrophobic action.

[0014] The system or device may include various methods of powering the TE units, including slip rings, induction and motor action in resistance windings and rectifiers, magnets and rotating windings with rectifiers. The cold side plate features may include micro-patterns, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, promotes centrifugal acceleration, durability (5+ years), non-toxic - no bad chemicals, good thermal conductivity: Aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloy, non-oxidizing, fabrication techniques: cast, machined, laser, chemical, ease of assembly, geometry: flat plates, concave, etc. and electric motor power options. The functions may include spin the clothes drum, direct drive, small friction wheel against drum edge, V or flat belt drive to large drum pulley and air movement power for rotating heat exchange hot and cold plates. The hot fan / plate typically uses about ninety or more percent (90+ %) of this power and cold condensing plate uses typically ten percent (10%) or less. Hot air is fed into the drum and then is recirculated back into the hot fan intake. A portion of the hot, humid air is bled into the cold side to be condensed into droplets that are then slung to the periphery of the cold wheel and collected in a volute that surrounds the wheel.

[0015] Induced current is preferably directed into the TE modules. Because the TE modules are rotating, a system is preferably used to deliver the current to the rotating member. Slip rings could be used but brushes introduce a wear item into the machine. The rotor windings or rotor coil of the wound rotor type may also be utilized, wherein the windings act as a secondary in a transformer arrangement. This secondary winding current is rectified and then connected to the TE modules. This arrangement is typically used in large industrial motors to increase starting torque but can also be used as an induction generator mechanism.

[0016] The aforementioned functions are designed to divide the power of the motor in a manner that addresses each load as determined experimentally. For example, spin may equal approximately twenty-five percent (25%), air movement may equal approximately twenty -five percent (25%), induced current may equal approximately fiftypercent (50%). A single motor provides may provide these functions through a single shaft and co-located current carrying cables. The TE modules can alternately be powered by a separate direct current power source.

[0017] The rotating hot side fan heats and accelerates the air that is then passed over the material being dried, where it excites water molecules contained therein. The now- liberated water molecules become part of the heated air stream that is circulated back to the intake of the hot side fan for further re-heating and when the hot side air is saturated with moisture, a valve opens which admits a portion of the hot side air to the inlet side of the cold side housing. The saturated hot side air then impacts the center area of the rotating cold side plate. The cold side plate is physically and thermally attached to the corotating cold side of the TE modules.

[0018] When the moisture-laden air impacts the rotating cold plate, it is distributed over the plate by skin friction attachment toward the periphery of the circular plate. The plate has superhydrophilic micro-channels incorporated therein that may be produced by laser engraving or other techniques. These features, in addition to the lowered temperature brought about by the TE action, cause condensation of the water vapor molecules in these micro-channels. The micro-channels primarily remove from the water molecules, not from the air. The sub-millimeter dimensions of the micro-channels interfere with the mean free path of the water vapor molecules, causing them to impact the walls of the channels. This process is similar to the adsorption mechanism that is used to separate gases in the pressure swing process that separates due to the trapping of the less kinetically active species in the cleats of carbon molecular sieve material. The collisions with the walls of the micro channels transfer kinetic energy to the cold plate material assisting condensation (by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy). The heat of condensation is carried through the TEs and to the hot side fan.

[0019] The condensed fluid then progresses by centrifugal force to superhydrophobic depressions that collect and hold the water droplets. When the stiction force is overcome by the centrifugal force the droplets become disengaged from the plate and are flung to the periphery, where they are collected within the cold plate housing which has an appropriate drain opening. From there the condensate proceeds to a tank or laundry drain.

[0020] The condensable component of the heated dryer air is preferably subjected to the cooling and condensation process. This process avoids heating, cooling and reheating the drying air. The same basic design with a few basic modifications can also be used to dry lumber, agricultural products, and other commodities by replacing the clothes dryer drum with a structure that meets the needs and dimensions of the product being dried.

[0021] Important considerations of the system include stagnant air, as the presence of a small amount of air may cause a significant reduction in the heat rate to a water-cooled steam condenser surface and the condensate rate may be reduced by a factor of two (2). Condensate rate reduction may also impact the system. When studying steam condensers, one key performance parameter to understand is the condensate rate, which represents how quickly condensation occurs on a surface. For a clean surface with pure steam, the amount of steam that condenses per unit area over time can be quite high. However, the introduction of air into the system can notably reduce this rate. Air molecules may act as a barrier between the steam and the cooling surface of the condenser. This occurs because air, a non-condensable gas, limits the flow of steam to the surface where condensation occurs. The reduction factor in condensate rate indicates that the presence of air cuts the efficiency of the condensation process significantly, in certain situation in half. With the condensate rate being an indicator for the efficiency of the transfer of heat from the steam to the cooling surface, this doubled reduction has a significant impact on the overall heat transfer mechanism in a steam condenser. In the context of steam condensation, the heat transfer rate ratio is a metric that compares the efficiency of heat transfer in different scenarios, such as with pure steam versus an air-steam mixture. This ratio is directly correlated with the condensate rate since the process of condensation is essentially a heat transfer process, from the steam to the condenser's surface. The proportional relationship means that if the condensate rate is s halved due to the presence of air, the heat transfer rate is also halved. This quantitative analysis assists in understanding the extent of efficiency loss due to air in the system. For an optimized condenser design, maintaining a high heat transfer rate is important and mechanisms to evacuate non-condensable gases like air are integrated into these systems.

[0022] Microchannels are also preferably considered to secure a relatively high heat transfer coefficient (“HTC”). Two design criteria are typically considered to achieve highHTC including (1) rapid removal of the nucleated droplets from the condensing surface to reduce thermal resistance and (2) a large effective surface area for droplet nucleation. Surface flooding is also preferably avoided at elevated subcooling. To satisfy design criteria, separating vapor and liquid flow is desirable as it can minimize the contact between vapor and liquid. Vapor can, therefore, be directly condensed on the liquid-free surface to maximize the heat transfer performance.

[0023] Various micro patterns may also be utilized on the cold side plate. Heat transfer rate is related to interfacial energy and surface topography. In the process of condensation, condensate droplets are concentrated in certain populations at the solidliquid interface and various dynamic behaviors such as merging jumping and shedding occur randomly among droplet populations at each specific location. Condensation heat transfer, accompanied by convective heat transfer for phase change with the absorption and release of large amounts of latent heat, is a highly efficient process.

[0024] The nature of the solid-liquid interface is important for the performance of the cold side plate. The nucleated droplets are preferably rapidly removed from the condenser surface. The stagnant air is also quickly removed or reduced at the heat transfer sites to maintain a high HTC. All these considerations are addressed by the employment of a rotating condenser disk with micro features on the cold side plate, which may be engraved into the surface of the cold side plate.

[0025] A condenser unit for capturing water from flowing air includes a housing and a thermo electric disk having a center, an edge, a cold side face and a hot side face mounted within the housing. The cold side face has microfeatures including a cavity and a channel. The channel includes a first channel end and a second channel end. The second channel end terminates at the cavity. The channel extends generally radially relative to the center. The microfeatures are configured to capture the water from the flowing air by molecular trapping and urge the water toward the cavity as the thermo electric disk rotates around the center. The condenser unit also includes a thermo electric unit mounted to the thermo electric disk. The thermo electric unit includes a cold end and a hot end. The cold end is in thermal communication with the cold side face.

[0026] A thermo electric dryer for drying an object includes a drying bin configured to receive the object therein, tubes fluidly connected to the drying bin and configured toguide airflow into and out of the drying bin and an evaporator / condenser or condenser unit including a first disk having a first outer face and a second disk having a second outer face. The second outer face has microfeatures. The first and second disks are positioned within a housing. The housing is connected to the tubes and the tubes are configured to direct the airflow onto the second outer face. The microfeatures are configured to capture condensation from the airflow on the second outer face. Thermo electric modules are mounted between the first disk and the second disk. The first disk and the second disk are mounted on and rotatable with a common shaft around a common axis. A drive unit is configured to drive the common shaft.

[0027] A dryer device configured to remove moisture from airflow includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a rotatable TE disk having a hot side and a cold side. The hot side having radially extending fan blades configured to accelerate the airflow as the TE disk rotates within the housing and the cold side having microfeatures configured to collect condensate as the airflow impacts the cold side. The dryer device also including a thermo electric module mounted between the cold side and the hot side. The thermo electric module configured to create a temperature gradient between the hot side and the cold side. The dryer device further including a drive unit configured to drive rotation of the TE disk. The fan blades drawing the airflow through the inlet and into proximity to the hot side, into proximity to the cold side and out of the outlet. The microfeatures configured to capture condensation from the airflow on the cold side.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the instrument, implant and method of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the thermo electric dryer, there are shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0029] Fig. 1 illustrates a side elevational, partially transparent view of a thermo electric dryer in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates a side perspective, exploded view of an evaporator / condenser or condenser unit of the thermo electric dryer of Fig. 1;

[0031] Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative side perspective exploded view of the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit of Fig. 2;

[0032] Fig. 3X illustrates a rear or cold side perspective view of a cold side or second disk of the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit of Fig. 2;

[0033] Fig. 3A illustrates a magnified top plan view of micro patterns on the cold side or second disk of Fig. 3X and a cross-sectional view of a channel and a cavity of the micro patterns, taken from within circle A of Fig. 3X;

[0034] Fig. 3B illustrates a magnified top plan view of the micro patterns on the cold side or second disk of Fig. 3X, taken from within circle B of Fig. 3X;

[0035] Fig. 3C illustrates a magnified fragmentary sectional view of the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit, showing a hot side fan disk with fan blades, a TE disk with a TE module and a cold plate with channels to capture water droplets;

[0036] Fig. 4 illustrates a side elevational, partial transparent view of a wound rotor motor that may be utilized with the thermo electric dryer of Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig. 5A illustrates a top plan view of a cold plate of the thermo electric dryer of Fig. 1, wherein a cleaning system is positioned proximate the cold plate;

[0038] Fig. 5B illustrates a top plan view of the cold plate of Fig. 5 A, wherein an alternative cleaning system is positioned proximate the cold plate;

[0039] Fig. 5C illustrates a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the cold plate and cleaning system of Fig. 5 A;

[0040] Fig. 5D illustrates a shaft and electrodes for cleaning the cold disk in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig. 6 illustrates a side elevational, partially transparent view of a thermo electric dryer in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second preferred embodiment of the thermo electric dryer is configured for drying items other than clothing, such as lumber, agricultural products and / or other commodities;

[0042] Fig. 7 illustrates a front elevational view of a third preferred embodiment of the thermoelectric system mounted in a water cooler;

[0043] Fig. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the thermoelectric system configured for irrigation; and

[0044] Fig. 9 illustrates a front elevational view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the thermoelectric system configured for drying wood or other agricultural products.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The words "right", "left", "lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the preferred heat pump dryer and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0046] It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the preferred invention, indicate that the described dimension / characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally the same or similar, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 1-3, a preferred heat pump or TE dryer and system, generally designated 20, is designed to dry clothes. The preferred TE dryer 20 includes an evaporator / condenser or a condenser unit 9 including a thermo electric disk D with a center 13d, an edge 13c, a cold side face 13e and a hot side face 7b mounted within the housing. The thermo electric disk D of the preferred embodiment is comprised of three (3) co-rotating disks 7, 12, 13 with thermo electric modules or thermo electric units 12a interspersed on a middle or TE disk 12, which is mounted between a first or hot disk 7 and a second or cold disk 13. The thermo electric disk D is not limited to including thethree (3) co-rotating disks 7, 12, 13 and may be comprised of a single disk or multiple disks depending on designer preferences, specific applications and other factors. The preferred thermo electric disk D includes the first or hot side disk 7 and the second or cold side disk 13 with the TE disk 12 therebetween. The first disk 7 includes the hot side face 7b and the second disk 13 include the cold side face 13e. The cold end 12c of the thermo electric unit 12a is mounted in facing engagement with second or cold disk 13 and the hot end 12h of the thermo electric unit 12a is mounted in facing engagement with the first or hot disk 7.

[0048] The condenser unit 9 is configured for capturing water from flowing air, typically relatively warm moist atmospheric or high humidity forced flowing air, as the air contacts a cold side face 13e of the second or cold disk 13. The arrangement of the preferred embodiment of the thermo electric disk D includes the disks 7, 12, 13 colocated on a common axis L that extends through a center 13c of the thermo electric disk D. The preferred thermo electric disk D and each of the co-rotating disks 7, 12, 13 is preferably constructed of a heat conducting material, preferably a heat conducting metal. The first, evaporator or hot side fan disk 7 has fins or fan blades 7a that act as fan blades to drive the flow of air within the system. The second, condenser or cold side disk or plate 13 has surface features facing away from the TE disk 12 that promote hydrophilic / hydrophobic action. The disks 7, 12, 13 are preferably positioned in the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9 in a housing, including a hot side housing 9a and a cold side housing 9b. The disks 7, 12, 13 are preferably durable, having a useful operating life of at least five (5) or more years, have good thermal conductivity, using conductive materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloys or other durable, strong and heat conducting materials, are generally non-oxidizing or are oxidizing resistant and may be assembled relatively easily. The disks 7, 12, 13 may be constructed by machining, casting, laser manufacturing, chemical processing or other techniques. The disks 7, 12, 13 are not limited to being constructed of the above-described metals using any of the specifically listed manufacturing techniques and may be constructed of nearly any conductive material with nearly any manufacturing technique that is able to produce the disks 7, 12, 13 having the general size and shape of the disks 7, 12, 13 that is able to perform the preferred functions of the disks 7, 12, 13 and is able to withstand the normaloperating conditions of the disks 7, 12, 13, as is described herein. The disks 7, 12, 13 may also be constructed having concave, convex or other surface features based on designer preferences and / or application-specific features.

[0049] The condenser unit 9 is not limited to including the three (3) disks 7, 12, 13 and may be comprised of a single disk or additional disks that are able to perform the preferred functions of the thermo electric disk D and / or the disks 7, 12, 13 described herein, take on the general size and shape of the disks 7, 12, 13 and withstand the normal operating conditions of the disks 7, 12, 13. The condenser unit 9 may include the single thermo electric disk D, the three (3) disks 7, 12, 13 or other combinations, having the center 13c, the edge 13d, the cold side face 13e and the hot side face 7b. The thermo electric disk D is mounted within the housing, preferably rotatably mounted within the housing, which includes a hot side housing 9a and a cold side housing 9b in the preferred embodiment.

[0050] The disk / TE / fan arrangement, including the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9, includes or is preferably driven by an electric motor 4. The TE modules 12a are provided with DC current through slip rings associated with a common shaft 4 and the disks 7, 12, 13 or other DC electric current transmission systems or methods. The DC current provided to the TE modules 12a is not limited to being provided by the slip rings and may be comprised of or include induction and motor action in resistance windings and rectifiers, magnets and rotating windings with rectifiers or other electrical transmission systems and methods. The common shaft 4a has a friction wheel la that rotates the dryer drum 1. The air from the hot side is piped through the dryer drum 1 where it evaporates water from the wet clothes. The now wet air is partially channeled to the [cold] condenser side where it condenses and is centrifugally slung to the periphery of the wheel where it is collected and drained through a cold side drain 14. Only a portion of the hot air exiting the drum 1 is diverted to the condenser.

[0051] The TE modules or units 12a are mounted on the thermo electric disk D and include a cold end 12c and a hot end 12h. The cold end 12c is in thermal communication with the cold side face 13e of the cold disk 13 and the hot end 12h is in thermal communication with the hot side face 7b of the first or hot disk 7.

[0052] The preferred TE dryer 20 may be powered by slip rings, induction and motor action in resistance windings and rectifiers, magnets, rotating windings with rectifiers or other components and features for powering the preferred dryer 20.

[0053] The preferred TE dryer 20 may have various cold side plate features, including microfeatures or micro patterns 13a, 13b, hydrophilic / hydrophobic properties, features that promote centrifugal acceleration, durability which preferably provides a service life of five or more (5+) years, non-toxic materials and reactions during use, materials having good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloys and related materials, non-oxidizing materials, fabrication techniques such as casting, machining, laser machining, chemical processes and related techniques and relative ease of assembly. The components of the preferred system may include flat plates, concave plates and related components. The preferred TE dryer 20 may include and be powered by various electric motors 4 or other power options.

[0054] The preferred TE dryer 20 may spin the clothes drum 1 via direct drive via the small friction wheel la against the drum edge, a V or flat belt drive connected to a large drum pulley or other drive systems or features. The preferred TE dryer 20 may also utilize air movement power for rotating heat exchange hot and cold fans, wherein the hot fan may be about ninety or more percent (90+ %) of this power and a cold condensing plate / fan may be approximately ten percent (10%) or less. Hot air is preferably fed into the drum 1 and then is recirculated back into the hot fan intake. A portion of the hot, humid air is bled into the cold side to be condensed into droplets 30 that are then slung to the periphery of the cold wheel and collected in a volute that surrounds the wheel.

[0055] Referring to Figs. 1-4, the preferred TE dryer 20 may utilize induced current into the thermo electric modules 12a. Because the TE modules 12a are rotating, the system delivers current to the rotating member. Slip rings could be used but brushes introduce a wear item into the machine. An alternative preferred solution is to utilize a wound rotor motor 15, wherein the rotor windings or rotor coil 15a of the wound rotor type act as a secondary in a transformer arrangement. The wound rotor motor 15 drives the common shaft 4a that spins the drum 1 and the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9. This secondary winding current is rectified and then connected to the TE modules 12a to power the TE modules 12a. This arrangement is typically used in large industrialmotors to increase starting torque but can also be used as an induction generator mechanism.

[0056] The aforementioned functions are designed to divide the power of the motor 4, 15 in a manner that addresses each load as determined experimentally. For example, the loading for spin may be approximately twenty-five percent (25%), air movement may be approximately twenty-five percent (25%) and induced current may be approximately fifty percent (50%). The motor 4 may provide these functions through a single or common shaft 4a and co-located current carrying cables. The motor 4 is preferably designed and configured to spin the clothes dryer drum 1 and the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9. The motor 4 may drive the drum 1 utilizing a drive belt associated with a pulley and / or a friction wheel against the drum 1.

[0057] The preferred TE clothes dryer 20 is designed with a rotating drum 1 for enclosure of wet clothes, a loading door 2 with a sliding seal, a lint trap 3 located proximate to the loading door 2, a motor 4 for spinning the drum 1 and rotating the heat exchange plates and fan. A drive wheel 5 engages the drum 1 to the motor 4 via a friction wheel or other rotational coupling system or method. An inlet tube 6 connects the lint trap 3 to a fan inlet 9i of a hot side fan 7 where the hot side fan 7 propels air to the dryer drum 1 via a recirculation tube 8. TE modules 12a on the TE disk 12 heat the hot side fan 7 and thereby the air that flows through the recirculation tube 8. The hot air exiting the hot side fan 7 is urged to the dryer drum 1 through the recirculation tube 8 where the clothes are heated, thereby vaporizing the water contained therein. The TE modules 12a are connected to the hot side fan 7 and a cold (condensing) plate 13 is positioned at an opposite side of the TE disk 12 and co-rotates with the hot side fan 7 and the TE disk 12. A portion of the hot wet air flowing through the recirculation tube 8 is introduced into the cold side via a shunt valve 11 that opens into an outlet tube 10. This turns the vapor into a liquid where the liquid is ejected via a cold side drain 14 located at the periphery of the cold side casing or housing 9b.

[0058] Heat exchangers rely on temperature differentials or gradients, heat exchange areas, airflow, surface features and cleanliness for efficient operation and exchange rates. Conventional exchangers use stationary fins and plates and fans to move air for forced convection heat exchange. The preferred TE dryer 20 utilizes heat exchangers comprisedof the rotating plates 7, 12, 13 with fans blades 7a and / or surface features to enhance the heat exchange rate, the dust free surface, and the condensation rate that can be achieved per unit of area.

[0059] The hot and cold side disks, plates or fans 7, 13 are separated and connected via thermo electric modules 12a on the TE disk 12 that create a temperature differential when energized with an electric current. The TE modules 12a are inefficient compared to vapor compression cooling devices but the excess heat generated is useful in the preferred TE clothes dryer 20 as considerable heat is required to vaporize the moisture in the wet clothes. The hot side heat is transported to the dryer drum 1 with the aid of the fan blades 7a, which are preferably attached to the rotating hot plate or disk 7. The preferred fan and heat exchange are incorporated into one unit. The rotation of the heat exchange surfaces keeps dust and dirt from accumulating on the surface as centrifugal force prevents particles from sticking to the surface. When the clothes reach a predetermined temperature or moisture vapor content, a shunt valve 11 begins to open that allows a portion of the hot air to be diverted to the inlet of the cold side heat exchange plate / housing where condensation begins and droplets 30 are slung to the periphery of the cold side housing 9b where an opening or cold side drain 14 provides a drain for the condensate.

[0060] The cold side plate or cold plate 13 has micro-features 13a, 13b that enhance the condensation of water vapor into droplets 30 that are discharged by centrifugal force when the mass of the droplet 30 exceeds the friction force (Van der Waals force) that holds the droplet 30 to the cold side plate 13. Calculations are made to determine the optimal droplet size before dislodgement. The second or cold side plate 13 includes the micro patterns or microfeatures 13a, 13b that are configured to capture the condensed water on the surface of the second disk 13. The microfeatures 13a, 13b of the condenser disk or cold plate 13 may be comprised of a series of cavities 13a with channels 13b extending radially inwardly from each of the cavities 13a that promote hydrophilic / hydrophobic action. The cavities 13a and channels 13b enhance the condensation of water vapor into droplets 30 that are only discharged by centrifugal force when the mass of the droplet 30 exceeds the friction force (Van der Waals force) that holds the droplet 30 in the cavities 13a. The water condensed from the humid, hot air isspecifically guided toward the cavities 13a by the channels 13b as the hot humid air is cooled by the cold plate 13 at the cold side face 13e. Calculations are made to determine the optimal droplet size before dislodgement. The thermo electric disk D or disks 7, 12, 13 are positioned in the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9 in the housing, including the hot side housing 9a and the cold side housing 9b, and the condensed water drains out of the drain 14. Figs. 3A-3X show the micro-structure or microfeatures 13a, 13b and spacing of the droplet nucleation sites on the cold side plate 13.

[0061] The microfeatures 13a, 13b on the cold side face 13e include the cavities 13a and the channels 13b, wherein the channels 13b include a first channel end 16 and a second channel end 17. The second channel ends 17 terminate at the associated cavity 13a and each of the first channel ends 16 are positioned radially inwardly from the associated cavity 13a toward the center 13d. The microfeatures 13a, 13b are configured to capture the water from the flowing air by molecular trapping and urge the captured water or water droplets toward the cavity 13a as the thermo electric disk D rotates around the center 13d. The cold side face 13e preferably includes a plurality of cavities 13a and channels 13b for capturing the water droplets. Each of the cavities 13a of the preferred embodiment is associated with three channels 13b having the first and second channels ends 16, 17, respectively, but the microfeatures 13a, 13b are not so limited and may be otherwise designed and configured to capture the water droplets from the flowing air in operation. In the preferred embodiment, each of the cavities 13a on the cold side face 13e includes a first cavity 13a and first, second and third channels 13b. The first cavity 13a is positioned radially outwardly from the first, second and third channels 13b relative to the center 13 d. The plurality of microfeatures 13 a, 13b include the first cavity 13 a, a second cavity 13a with three or fourth, fifth and sixth channels 13b, a third cavity 13a with seventh, eighth and ninth channels 13b and a plurality of additional cavities 13a and associated channels 13b on the cold side face 13e of the second or cold disk 13. The microfeatures 13a, 13b are preferably comprised of submillimeter features formed into the cold side face 13e and the channels 13b may have a length between the first and second channel ends 16, 17 of approximately five centimeters (5 cm), although the channels 13b are not so limited. The microfeatures 13a, 13b are configured for molecular trapping the water droplets therein.

[0062] Air movement within the system is preferably driven mainly by the fan blades 7a of the first or hot side disk 7. Power for rotating the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9 may be approximately ninety percent (90%) or more allocated to the first or hot side disk 7 and ten percent (10%) or less allocated to the second or cold side disk 13. Hot air is fed into the drum 1 driven by the fan blades 7a and then is recirculated back into the hot fan intake or inlet 9i. A portion of the hot, humid air is bled into the cold side to be condensed into droplets 30 that are then slung to the periphery of the second or cold side disk 13 and collected in a volute that surrounds the second disk 13.

[0063] The TE modules 12a may be powered by induced current in the preferred embodiment. Because the TE modules 12a are rotating, delivery of electrical current to power the TE modules 12a must be delivered to the TE modules 12a while they are rotating around the common axis L. Slip rings may be used to transmit this current. Alternatively, the TE modules 12a may be powered by rotor windings or coil of the wound rotor type where the windings act as a secondary in a transformer arrangement. This secondary winding current is rectified and then connected to the TE modules 12a. This arrangement is utilized as an induction generator mechanism.

[0064] The aforementioned functions are designed to divide the power of the motor 4 in a manner that addresses each load as determined experimentally. For example, the loading ratios may comprise twenty-five percent (25%) dedicated to the spin, twenty-five percent (25%) dedicated to air movement and fifty percent (50%) dedicated to induced current. The power distribution is not limited to these percentages and may be otherwise divided and configured based on specific system capabilities and requirements, designer preferences and other factors related to the dryer 1. The motor 4 preferably provides these functions through the common shaft 4a and co-located current carrying cables.

[0065] Heat exchangers rely on temperature differentials, heat exchange areas, airflow, surface features and cleanliness for efficient operation and exchange rates. Conventional exchangers use stationary fins and plates and fans to move air for forced convection heat exchange. The preferred evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9 includes the rotating plates or disks 7, 12, 13 with the fans blades 7 on the hot disk 7 and the surface features, including the cavities 13a and channels 13b on the cold disk 13, toenhance the heat exchange rate, maintain a relatively dust free surface, and improve the condensation rate that can be achieved per unit of area.

[0066] The hot and cold side plates or disks 7, 13 are preferably separated and connected with the TE disk 12 and the TE modules therebetween that create a temperature differential when energized with an electric current. The TE modules 12a may be relatively inefficient compared to vapor compression cooling devices but the excess heat generated by the TE modules 12a is useful in the TE dryer and system 20 as heat is utilized to vaporize the moisture from the wet clothes. The heat from the hot plate 7 is transported to the dryer drum 1 with the aid of the fan blades 7 which are attached to and / or formed on the rotating hot plate 7. Fan and heat exchange are incorporated into the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9 of the preferred embodiment. The rotation of the heat exchange surfaces of the hot and cold plates 7, 13 keeps dust and dirt from accumulating on the surfaces as centrifugal force as well as preferred non-stick coatings prevent particles from sticking to the surfaces. When the clothes in the dryer drum 1 reach a predetermined temperature or moisture vapor content, which may be acquired by sensors mounted in or on the system 20, the shunt valve 11 begins to open to allows a portion of the hot air in the recirculation tube 8 to be diverted to the inlet of the cold side heat exchange plate 13 in the outlet tube 10 where condensation begins and droplets 30 are slung to the periphery of the cold side housing 9b where the cold side drain 14 provides a drain for the condensate. The cold side drain 14 is positioned at a bottom side of the housing 9a, 9b and the housing 9a, 9b is configured to guide the airflow onto the cold side face 13e of the thermo electric disk D proximate the center 13d.

[0067] The cold side plate 13 has the micro-features, including the cavities 13a and the channels 13b, that accelerate the rate of condensation of water vapor into the droplets 10 that are preferably discharged by centrifugal force when the mass of the droplet 10 exceeds the stiction force that holds the droplet to the cold plate 13. Calculations are made to determine the optimal droplet size before dislodgement.

[0068] Referring to Figs. 5A-5D, the heat transfer rate of a condenser plate is a concern in heat pump devices. This heat transfer rate is influenced by the cleanliness of the surface upon which condensation forms. Over time deposits from non-water vapor can reduce the efficiency of the condenser plate. Moi eties can also reduce the heattransfer rate. These moieties include detergent residues, clothing dyes, water impurities, and other non-water constituents. These deposits are preferably removed prior to condensation or removed from the surface of the cold disk 13 after condensation. The two general categories to address these inefficiencies include prevention and treatment. Prevention may include filtering, non-stick coatings and related techniques and treatment may include citrus (chemical), physical, plasma or electric discharge. Coatings, including as fluorinated diamond-like coatings, can prevent scale formation. Filtering may include a replaceable paper filter placed in an intake plenum of the condenser. Non-stick coatings may include diamond like nano coatings deposited or formed on the surface of the cold disk 13. Chemical treatment options include having a refillable container located in the cold side housing 9b that can hold a quantity of cleansing liquid such as citrus liquid or other such mild acidic liquid that is selectively dispensed onto the surface of the cold disk 13 and dispersed over the cold side face 13e. The delivery of the liquid is preferably controlled by a timer or switch operated valve and / or pump. A physical treatment option is to make the surface of the cold disk 13 accessible via a door at the back of the TE dryer system 20 and / or ready access to the rotating disks 7, 12, 13 to facilitate physical scouring of the surfaces of the hot and cold side plates 7, 13. Opening the door would allow the surface of the cold disk 13 to be manually cleaned. Treatments may include chemical (citrus), physical and plasma or electric discharge treatments.

[0069] A third, and relatively sophisticated alternative option for treating the cold plate 13 is to expose the cold disk 13 to a plasma. Spinal accretions may be medically ablated using a plasma generated by multiple electrodes 41 in a circular arrangement at a tip of a shaft 40 to ablate the accumulated contaminants. The electrodes 41 preferably alternate between positive and negative polarity. This technique may be utilized in the medical field to ablate spinal accretions. The electrodes 41 of the preferred invention are held above the rotating condenser, such as at about five millimeters (5 mm) and the electrode assembly is moved from an edge 13c to a center 13d so that the entire surface of the cold disk 13 is treated to the ablation process. A high voltage source is connected to the electrodes 41. The ablated material is washed away with water or a cleaning solution. The electrodes 41 may be constructed of tungsten with a one to two percent (1-2 % )additive of lanthanum, cerium, or thorium, which enhances emissivity of electrons.Planar and circular shapes allow cleaning and etching access and circular shapes combined with rotation facilitate centrifugal force to expel condensed droplets. Planar shapes facilitate interface with the TE modules 12a. Rotating surfaces expand the apparent area of heat exchange and “skin friction” helps move more vapor through the device. Skin friction or drag force helps to limit the actuating force to the water molecules, rather than the air molecules. This reduces the amount of air being cooled by the condenser plate.

[0070] The hot and cold disks 7, 13 preferably have a generally disk shape with two opposing generally planar sides and rotate during operation to facilitate cleaning and etching access. The generally circular or disk shape of the hot and cold disks 7, 13 facilitate rotation and allows centrifugal force to expel the condensed droplets 30 from the surface of the cold plate 13. The relatively planar shape or surface of the facing surfaces of the hot and cold disks 7, 13 also facilitates interface with the TE modules 12a in an assembled configuration.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9 may be configured such that the saturated air from the dryer drum 1 is exposed to the hot and cold plates 7, 13 through a central entry or entry proximate the center 13d.

[0072] The rotating surfaces of the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9 also expands the apparent area of heat exchange with the air that flows past the surfaces of the hot and cold disks 7, 13. Skin friction at the surfaces of the hot and cold plates 7, 13 also preferably helps move more vapor through the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 9.

[0073] In the preferred assembly, the cold side disk 13 operates differently than preexisting designs. The cold side of the present invention co-rotates with the TE modules and the hot side fan. The cold side disk 13 of the preferred invention does not have fins that accelerate air or promote heat exchange in the air passing over the cold side disk 13. Instead, the cold side disk 13 has micro-features, such as the cavities 13a and the channels 13b, that enhance the condensation of the vapor contained in the air stream flowing over the surface of the cold disk 13.

[0074] The cold side disk or condenser plate 13 is significantly different than preexisting designs and represents an improvement. The system typically operates with the hot side disk or fan 7 heating and accelerating the air that is then passed over the materialbeing dried where it excites water molecules contained therein. The water molecules are captured in the heated air stream that is circulated back into the intake of the hot side disk 7 with the fan blades 7a for further re-heating and when the hot side air is saturated with moisture, a valve 11 opens to admit a portion of the hot side air into the inlet side of the cold side housing 9b. The saturated hot side air then impacts the center area of the rotating cold side plate or disk 13. The cold side plate or disk 13 is physically and thermally attached to the co-rotating cold side of the TE modules 12a.

[0075] In operation, the rotating hot side disk 7 heats the humid air and accelerates the flow of the air with the fan blades 7a, the accelerated air flows through the recirculation tube 8 into the dryer drum 1 and the air is then passed over the material being dried in the dryer drum 1. The flowing air then excites water molecules contained therein. The now-liberated water molecules become part of the heated air stream that flows through the lint trap 3, through the inlet tube 6, through the fan inlet 9i and is circulated back into communication with the hot side disk 7 for further re-heating and when the hot side air is saturated with sufficient moisture, the shunt valve 11 is opened by a central processor and the shunt valve 11 admits a portion of the hot side air into outlet tube 10 and into communication with the cold disk 13 inside the cold side housing 9b. The saturated hot side air from the outlet tube 10 then impacts the center area of the rotating cold side plate 13. The cold side plate 13 is physically and thermally attached to the co-rotating cold side of the TE modules 12a to cool the air.

[0076] When the moisture-laden air impacts the rotating cold plate or cold disk 13, the moisture-laden air is distributed over the cold plate 13 by skin friction attachment toward the periphery of the preferably circular cold plate 13. The cold plate 13 preferably has superhydrophilic micro-features thereon, such as the cavities 13a and channels 13b, which may be produced by laser engraving or other techniques. These features, in addition to the lowered temperature brought about by exposure to the cooled cold plate 13, cause condensation of the water vapor molecules, such as the droplets, in these microchannels, preferably including the cavities 13a and channels 13b. The micro-channels are not limited to being comprised of the cavities 13a and channels 13b and may be comprised of alternative features that facilitate capture and formation of the droplets 30 to extract moisture from the moisture-laden air. The micro-channels or microfeaturesprimarily remove energy 22 from the water molecules and droplets 30, not necessarily from the air. The sub-millimeter dimensions of the micro-channels or microfeatures interfere with the mean free path of the water vapor molecules and droplets 30, causing the droplets 30 to impact the walls of the channels 13b and cavities 13a where the kinetic energy or the vapor molecules is converted into thermal energy via an inelastic collision process. The impact of air molecules generally does not result in condensation because, at these temperatures, heat is typically not transferred. This process is similar to the adsorption mechanism that is used to separate Nitrogen from Oxygen in a pressure swing process that separates due to the trapping of the less kinetically active species in the cleats of carbon molecular sieve material. The collisions of the water vapor and droplets 30 with the walls of the micro-channels or microfeatures transfers kinetic energy to the material of the cold plate 13 assisting condensation. The thermal gradient in the material of the cold plate 13 removes the heat of condensation from the micro-channel walls. The heat of condensation is carried through the TE modules 12a and the TE disk 12 and to the hot disk 7.

[0077] The condensed fluid and droplets 30 then progress or are urged by centrifugal force to superhydrophobic cavities or depressions 13a of the microfeatures that collect and hold the water droplets 30. When a stiction force is overcome by the centrifugal force the droplets 30 become disengaged from the cold plate 13 and the cavities 13a and are flung to and past the periphery or edge 13c and onto the cold side housing 9b, where they are collected and flow toward the cold side drain 14 and are drained from the system. From there the condensate proceeds to a tank or laundry drain.

[0078] This process avoids heating, cooling and reheating the drying air. In the preferred embodiment, only the condensable component is subjected to the cooling and condensation process.

[0079] Referring to Fig. 6, the same basic design of the first preferred TE dryer and system 20 may be modified and used to dry lumber, agricultural products, and other commodities by replacing the clothes dryer drum with a structure sized to meet the needs and dimensions of the product being dried. The second preferred TE dryer and system 20', utilizes the same reference numbers to identify similar features with a prime symbol to distinguish the second preferred TE dryer and system 20 of the first preferredembodiment from the features and components of the second preferred TE dryer and system 20'. The clothes dryer drum 1 of the first preferred embodiment may be replaced with a drying bin or drum T that meets the needs and dimensions of the product being dried. For example, a lumber dryer, may extend a length and diameter of the drying bin 1' to accommodate the lumber or may be comprised of a relatively rectangular drying hollow space within which the lumber is positioned for drying. The second preferred TE dryer 20' is shown without the drive wheel 5 and friction wheel la to drive rotation of the dryer drum 1 of the first preferred embodiment, but the second preferred TE dryer 20' is not limited to exclusion of the rotating drying drug 1' and may include these features to enhance air circulation and drying in the drying bin 1' of the second preferred embodiment. The second preferred TE dryer 20' preferably includes the motor 4' with the common shaft 4a', the inlet tube 6', the fan inlet 9i', the hot, cold and TE disks 7', 12', 13', the hot and cold side housings 9a', 9b', the cold side drain 14', the outlet tube 10', the shunt valve 11' and the recirculation tube 8', as well as additional features described in the first preferred embodiment, such as the central controller and sensors that may be utilized to control the operation of the TE dryer 20' and, particularly, acquiring temperatures and moisture content during operation to start, stop, pause and otherwise control operation of the TE dryer 20'.

[0080] Heat exchangers rely on temperature differentials or gradients, heat exchange areas, airflow, surface features and cleanliness for efficient operation and exchange rates. Conventional exchangers use stationary fins and plates and fans to move air for forced convection heat exchange. The heat exchangers of the preferred invention include rotating plates with fans blades and / or surface features to enhance the heat exchange rate and maintain surface cleanliness. Heat transfer surfaces can be coated with fluorinated diamond-like carbon films to minimize scale formation and increase the condensation rate that can be achieved per unit of area.

[0081] Scale formation on heat transfer surfaces of the hot and cold side plates 7, 13 may be avoided or reduced by fluorinated diamond-like carbon (“F-DLC”) coatings with various surface free energies. The effect of surface energy of the coatings on scale adhesion demonstrates that the F-DLC coatings with an optimal surface energy reduce calcium sulfate (“CaSOf’) deposit adhesion on heat transfer surfaces significantly.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 7, in an alternative configuration or third preferred embodiment of the system wherein like numerals identify like features with a “3” prefix, the system may be designed and configured to generate water from ambient air, such as for an office or home environment. A standard water cooler may be reconfigured with the water container having the components of the rotating heat exchange dehydration technology housed in the container with appropriate filters and power supplies attached. The evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 309, including the hot side housing 309a and the cold side housing 309b is mounted above the water level of the water cooler or water reservoir and is driven by the motor 304. Condensed water from the ambient air is drained into the water cooler or water reservoir from the cold side drain 314.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 8, in an additional alternative or fourth preferred embodiment of the system wherein like numerals identify like features with a “4” prefix, the system may be designed and configured to generate water from ambient air for agricultural purposes, such as reversing desertification. The fourth preferred embodiment is preferably directed to a water-from-air technology having a vertical axis along the common shaft 404a driven by a wind turbine or solar panels 404 that function substantially as the motor to power rotation and attendant rotation of heat exchange surfaces within the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 409, having the hot side housing 409a and the cold side housing 409b. The cold side drain 414 delivers water to a seedbed or other vegetation to irrigate the soil.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 9, in a further alternative or fifth preferred embodiment of the system wherein like numerals identify like features with a “5” prefix, the system may be designed and configured to dry lumber or other agricultural materials. The previously described dehydration unit of Fig. 6 provides heated air to an enclosure which holds the desired material to be dried, and a portion of the heated and moist airflow is diverted to the rotating cold side of the evaporator / condenser or condenser unit 509 to be condensed and drained.

[0085] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particularembodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the attached description.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A condenser unit for capturing water from flowing air, the condenser unit comprising: a housing; a thermo electric disk having a center, an edge, a cold side face and a hot side face mounted within the housing, the cold side face having microfeatures including a cavity and a channel, the channel including a first channel end and a second channel end, the second channel end terminating at the cavity, the channel extending generally radially relative to the center, the microfeatures configured capture the water from the flowing air by molecular trapping and urge the water toward the cavity as the thermo electric disk rotates around the center; and a thermo electric unit mounted to the thermo electric disk, the thermo electric unit including a cold end and a hot end, the cold end in thermal communication with the cold side face.

2. The condenser unit of claim 1, wherein the thermo electric disk includes a first disk and a second disk, the hot side face on the first disk and the cold side face on the second disk.

3. The condenser unit of claim 2, wherein the thermo electric unit is mounted between the first disk and the second disk, the cold end in facing engagement with the second disk and the hot end in facing engagement with the first disk.

4. The condenser unit of claim 1, wherein the cavity is comprised of a plurality of cavities and the channel is comprised of a plurality of channels.

5. The condenser unit of claim 1, wherein the cavity is comprised of a first cavity and the channel is comprised of first, second and third channels, the first cavity positioned radially outwardly from the first, second and third channels relative to the center.

6. The condenser unit of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a cold side drain at a bottom side, the housing configured to guide the airflow onto the cold side face proximate the center.

7. The condenser unit of claim 1, wherein the hot side face of the thermo electric disk includes fan blades extending therefrom, the fan blades configured to accelerate the flowing air through the housing.

8. A thermo electric dryer for drying an object, the thermo electric dryer comprising: a drying bin configured to receive the object therein; tubes fluidly connected to the drying bin and configured to guide airflow into and out of the drying bin; an evaporator / condenser including a first disk having a first outer face and a second disk having a second outer face, the second outer face having microfeatures, the first and second disks positioned within a housing, the housing connected to the tubes and the tubes configured to direct the airflow onto the second outer face, the microfeatures configured to capture condensation from the airflow on the second outer face; thermo electric modules mounted between the first disk and the second disk, the first disk and the second disk mounted on and rotatable with a common shaft around a common axis; and a drive unit configured to drive the common shaft.

9. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the microfeatures are comprised of a plurality of cavities and channels including a first cavity and a first channel.

10. The thermo electric dryer of claim 9, wherein the first channel extends from a first channel end to a second channel end, the second channel end terminating at the first cavity.

11. The thermo electric dryer of claim 10, wherein second and third channels extend radially inwardly from the first cavity toward a center of the second disk.

12. The thermo electric dryer of claim 9, wherein the plurality of cavities and channels are configured to promote condensation of water vapor molecules from the airflow on the second outer face.

13. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the drying bin is comprised of a dryer drum, the rotatable drum configured to be driven by the common shaft.

14. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the first disk is comprised of a hot side disk and the second disk is comprised of a cold side disk.

15. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, further comprising: a TE disk having the thermo electric modules mounted thereon, the TE disk mounted between the first disk and the second disk.

16. The thermo electric dryer of claim 15, wherein the thermo electric modules include a cold side and a hot side, the cold sides contacting the second disk and the hot sides contacting the first disk.

17. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the drive unit is comprised of a motor.

18. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the first disk includes fan blades extending therefrom, the fan blades configured to accelerate the airflow through the housing and the tubes.

19. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the microfeatures are configured to promote hydrophilic / hydrophobic action.

20. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the microfeatures are comprised of superhydrophilic micro-channels engraved onto the second outer face.

21. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the tubes include a recirculation tube directing the airflow into the drying bin, a lint trap tube directing the airflow out of the drying bin and an inlet tube directing the airflow from the lint trap tube into the housing.

22. The thermo electric dryer of claim 8, wherein the housing includes a cold side drain.

23. A dryer device configured to remove moisture from airflow, the dryer device comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a rotatable TE disk having a hot side and a cold side, the hot side having radially extending fan blades configured to accelerate the airflow as the TE disk rotates within the housing and the cold side having microfeatures configured to collect condensate as the airflow impacts the cold side; a thermo electric module mounted between the cold side and the hot side, the thermo electric module configured to create a temperature gradient between the hot side and the cold side; and a drive unit configured to drive rotation of the TE disk, the fan blades drawing the airflow through the inlet and into proximity to the hot side, into proximity to the cold side and out of the outlet, the microfeatures configured to capture condensation from the airflow on the cold side.

24. The dryer device of claim 23, wherein the drive unit is comprised of a motor connected to a common shaft, the motor and drives rotation of the common shaft and the TE disk.

25. The dryer device of claim 23, wherein the motor includes a rotor coil, the rotor coil electrically connected to the thermo electric module, the rotor coil configured to provide electrical energy to the thermo electric module.

26. The dryer device of claim 23, wherein the TE disk includes a hot side disk defining the hot side and a cold side disk defining the cold side.

27. The dryer device of claim 23, wherein the microfeatures are comprised of a plurality of cavities and channels engraved onto the cold side.

28. The dryer device of claim 27, wherein each of the cavities is associated with one of the plurality of channels, the plurality of channels radially on the cold side.

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