Condensing system for combination washer/dryer appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Combination washer/dryer appliances face long drying times due to residual moisture and inefficient condensation methods, which current solutions like fluid-to-fluid heat transfer and air venting do not adequately address, resulting in prolonged drying cycles of 167-370 minutes for a 6 kg cotton load.
Innovation Solution
A condensing system with an exhaust air recirculation loop, condenser coil recirculation loop, and a common sump that recycles water condensate for enhanced condensation, using a Peltier cell and fan to maintain condenser coil temperature and promote condensation, while reusing the recycled water in the washing cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional condenser solutions are used (fluid-to-fluid heat transfer or air venting), then some condensation is achieved, but drying time remains excessively long (167-370 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the condenser coil using cold water from the wash cycle before introducing warm moist air, creating optimal conditions for rapid condensation from the start of the drying cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature of the condenser coil by controlling cold water flow rate and timing, optimizing condensation efficiency at different stages of the drying cycle
2Productivity
If cold water is sprayed across the front of the drum to condense moisture, then some water vapor is removed, but the tub temperature drops which reduces drying performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the condensation function from the drying chamber by placing a separate condenser coil in the air recirculation loop, allowing condensation to occur outside the tub and preventing temperature drop in the drying chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser coil acts as an intermediary device that removes moisture from the recirculating air without directly contacting the laundry load, thereby maintaining tub temperature while achieving condensation
3Productivity
If fresh air is pulled in through holes in the condenser to aid condensation, then condensation efficiency improves, but an undesirable venting effect occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the cold water from the wash cycle itself to cool the condenser coil, making the wash water serve a dual purpose of cleaning and enabling condensation, eliminating the need for external air intake
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 drying time, conserves water, and improves garment care by reducing load temperature and lint generation, achieving faster cycle times and better drying performance.
Implementation Method 1
the condenser is configured to remove water vapor from the drying air to form water condensate
Implementation Method 2
using a Peltier cell and fan to maintain condenser coil temperature and promote condensation
Implementation Method 3
using a Peltier cell and fan to maintain condenser coil temperature and promote condensation
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid condensing system for a combination washer/dryer appliance includes a metal condenser coil positioned within a condenser. Water liquid pulses through the metal condenser coil for maintaining the metal condenser coil at a cold temperature as water vapor in the hot exhaust air from the combination washer/dryer appliance condenses on the surface of the condenser coil. A common sump collects the water condensate from the condenser, the cooling fluid exiting the condenser coil, and wash water from the combination washer/dryer appliance. The water condensate, cooling fluid, and wash water is reclaimed and recycled through both a condenser coil recirculation loop and a wash water dispenser system.