Box-Type Warewasher Sorption Drying to Reduce Moisture Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial box-type warewashers face issues with water discharge during the drying phase, leading to increased moisture in the installation room and potential condensation, despite the use of drying ducts, which complicates operation and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A box-type warewasher equipped with a drying device featuring a sorption unit containing reversibly dehydratable dry material, such as zeolite, arranged above the treatment chamber, which recirculates drying air and prevents water from entering the ducts, using a fan to circulate air through the sorption unit and a heating unit for desorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a drying duct system is used to remove moisture during drying phase, then moisture discharge is reduced, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the drying duct system is extracted and replaced by positioning the sorption unit directly above the treatment chamber, eliminating the need for complex ductwork while maintaining moisture removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The sorption unit automatically absorbs moisture from the air above the treatment chamber without requiring active ducting or forced airflow systems, allowing the system to self-regulate humidity during the drying phase
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a drying duct system is used to remove moisture during drying phase, then moisture discharge is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-intensive drying duct system is extracted and replaced by a passive sorption-based moisture removal system that operates without forced airflow or complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The sorption unit passively absorbs moisture from the air through adsorption, eliminating the need for energy-consuming fans, heaters, or ducting systems while maintaining effective moisture control
3Productivity
If drying air is recirculated through sorption unit, then drying efficiency is improved, but water may enter the sorption unit
Solution Approach 1:
The sorption unit is positioned in the vertical dimension above the treatment chamber rather than in the horizontal airflow path, allowing air recirculation while preventing water ingress through gravitational separation
Solution Approach 2:
The sorption unit is positioned at a higher elevation where water naturally drains away from it by gravity, creating a protective potential difference that prevents water from reaching the sorption material while allowing air to circulate freely
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 reduces water discharge, minimizes energy consumption, and effectively prevents condensation water from entering the sorption unit, ensuring efficient drying and operation without a complex drying duct system.
Implementation Method 1
a drying device (40) for removing moisture from drying air circulating in the treatment chamber (2), wherein the drying device (40) has at least one sorption unit (41) which has a reversibly dehydratable dry material
Implementation Method 2
the dry material of which is heated during a desorption phase, wherein air from the treatment chamber (2) is guided through the sorption unit (41) comprising the heated dry material
Data Source
AI summary
A warewasher (1) provided as a box-type warewasher and a method for operating such a warewasher (1) are provided. In accordance with the warewasher and method, during the adsorption phase, air is guided from the treatment chamber (2) of the machine (1) through a drying unit (40) in such a way that moisture from the airflow is absorbed by a dry material, wherein the air is then fed again to the treatment chamber (2). Furthermore, the drying device is arranged above the treatment chamber (2) so as to effectively prevent penetration of splashed water into the drying device (40).