AC Rotary Compressor Heat Pump for Clothes Dryer Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems in clothes drying appliances are costly and inefficient in varying energy consumption, particularly due to the high expense and additional component requirements of BLDC-driven compressors.
Innovation Solution
A clothes drying apparatus utilizing an AC rotary compressor with a control unit that operates in two modes: a constant 'speed mode' and an alternating 'eco mode' to reduce energy consumption, where the compressor is constantly on in speed mode and alternately switched on and off in eco mode, with open fluid conduits and a selectively switchable expansion means to maintain thermal inertia during the switched-off state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If BLDC-driven compressor is used to vary energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device cost and complexity increase due to additional components like inverter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive BLDC compressor with a conventional AC compressor that can be easily replaced. The control strategy uses simple on/off cycling of the AC compressor instead of requiring complex variable speed control, achieving energy efficiency through operational control rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electrical complexity of a BLDC compressor with a simpler AC compressor controlled by thermal inertia management. The control unit manages heat pump operation by switching between on/off states based on thermal storage in the system, replacing complex variable speed mechanics with simpler binary control.
2Use of energy by moving object
If AC rotary compressor is alternately switched on and off to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but thermal stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges thermal storage elements (water tank or heat exchanger mass) before the compressor needs to be switched off. By building up thermal energy in advance, the system can maintain stable temperatures during compressor off-periods without immediate temperature drops that would compromise thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermal inertia of the heat pump system components as a cushion against temperature fluctuations. The control unit timing of on/off cycles is designed to allow thermal mass to buffer temperature changes, preventing sharp thermal variations even when the compressor is frequently switching states.
3Productivity
If compressor runs constantly in speed mode, then drying speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that adapt compressor behavior to drying needs. The control unit switches between speed mode (constant on) for rapid drying when needed and eco mode (alternating on/off) for energy-saving operation, allowing the system to dynamically adjust productivity versus energy consumption based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The eco mode utilizes periodic on/off cycling of the compressor to balance drying performance with energy conservation. By alternating between active compression phases and passive thermal storage phases, the system achieves acceptable drying speeds while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for cost-effective and robust energy management, achieving fast drying in speed mode and energy-saving in eco mode, while reducing total energy consumption by leveraging the thermal inertia of the condenser and evaporator during the compressor's off state.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion means, and an evaporator connected by fluid conduits carrying working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a compressor for circulating the refrigerant fluid through the refrigerant loop
Implementation Method 3
a condenser, an expansion means, and an evaporator connected by fluid conduits carrying working fluid
Implementation Method 4
an expansion means
Implementation Method 5
an evaporator connected by fluid conduits carrying working fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A clothes drying apparatus (1) comprises a heat pump (11) including a compressor (12), a condenser (9), an expansion means (13), and an evaporator (6) connected by fluid conduits (14-17) carrying working fluid (F) and comprises a control unit (18) connected to the compressor (12), the control unit (18) being adapted to operate the compressor (12) in a first mode of operation and in a second mode of operation during a drying cycle, wherein the compressor (12) is an AC rotary compressor (12), in the first mode of operation, the AC rotary compressor (12) is constantly switched on, and in the second mode of operation, the AC rotary compressor (12) is alternately switched on and off. Further, a method for operating a clothes drying apparatus (1) comprising a heat pump (11) including a AC rotary compressor (12) in a first and second mode of operation is disclosed.