Clothes Dryer Heat Pump with U-Trap to Reduce Air Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes dryers with heat pump systems face inefficiencies due to air leakage and the need for separate heat exchangers, leading to reduced thermal efficiency and increased energy consumption, especially in circulating and exhaust type machines.
Innovation Solution
A 'U' trap is integrated into the circulation channel of the clothes dryer, positioned below the evaporator, to prevent air leakage and enhance condensation efficiency by blocking air from escaping, allowing more air to participate in heat exchange with the evaporator, and utilizing naturally generated condensed water without a separate water supply unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat pump system is used to heat and cool air for drying clothes, then energy efficiency is improved, but air leakage reduces thermal efficiency and increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation channel and heat pump system are merged into an integrated structure where the channel serves as both air circulation path and heat exchange chamber. The evaporator and condenser are positioned within the channel boundaries, eliminating the need for separate heat exchanger compartments and preventing air leakage that would occur at multiple connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof breathable membrane is introduced as an intermediary material that allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water and air. This membrane is positioned between the heat pump components and the external environment, enabling thermal exchange while preventing harmful air leakage that would reduce system efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If separate heat exchangers are used for condensing hot humid air, then moisture removal is effective, but device complexity increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation channel integrates multiple functions: air circulation, heat exchange, and moisture condensation. The evaporator and condenser are positioned within the channel, allowing humid air to be cooled and condensed in-situ without requiring separate condensation chambers or additional heat exchanger assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation channel serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as the air circulation pathway, the heat exchange chamber, and the condensation chamber. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If more air is used for heat exchange, then energy efficiency improves, but air leakage reduces the amount of air available for effective heat exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof breathable membrane acts as an selective barrier that maintains the integrity of the heat exchange environment. It allows beneficial water vapor transmission while blocking air leakage, ensuring that the air within the circulation channel remains contained and available for effective heat exchange with the evaporator and condenser.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible waterproof breathable membrane is used to seal the circulation channel while maintaining breathability. This thin film structure prevents air leakage without compromising the heat exchange process, allowing the system to maintain optimal air volume for energy efficient 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
The 'U' trap configuration increases the amount of air used for heat exchange, improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption by effectively blocking air leakage and utilizing condensed water for enhanced heat pump system performance.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator provided in the housing that condenses humid air introduced into the housing via evaporation of a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser provided in the housing that heats the air having passed through the evaporator via condensation of the refrigerant
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothes dryer according to one exemplary embodiment includes a main body (100) having a drum (110) rotatably installed therein, a circulation channel (116) formed in the main body, the circulation channel defining a path of air that flows through the drum (110) to dry a target to be dried, and a heat pump system (120) having an evaporator (121), a compressor (123), an expansion apparatus (122) and a condenser (124), the heat pump system (120) configured to cool and heat air flowed through the circulation channel (116), wherein the evaporator (121) is mounted in the circulation channel (116), and a 'U' trap is placed below the evaporator (121) in the circulation channel (116).