Continuous Drying Device With Multi-Zone Airflow Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous drying devices for hygroscopic materials, such as sawn timber, are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and drying time, and lack flexibility in adjusting drying conditions between different zones.
Innovation Solution
A continuous drying device with multiple climate zones and flow channels connected by closable openings, allowing for the exchange of drying air between zones to optimize energy use and drying conditions, using a central control system to manage airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drying air is generated separately for each climate zone, then each zone can be optimized independently, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drying air generation system across multiple climate zones by introducing a common flow channel that distributes dried air from one zone to another. This eliminates the need for separate drying air generation systems in each zone, thereby reducing energy consumption and device complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize each zone independently through controlled air distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel acts as an intermediary system that connects different climate zones. It receives dried air from one zone and transports it to another zone that needs drying air, serving as a mediator that enables energy sharing between zones without requiring direct thermal contact or complex integration systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drying air is generated separately for each climate zone, then each zone can be optimized independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drying air generation system across multiple climate zones by introducing a common flow channel that distributes dried air from one zone to another. This eliminates the need for separate drying air generation systems in each zone, thereby reducing energy consumption and device complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize each zone independently through controlled air distribution.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy is not recovered between zones, then system operation is simple, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically redistributing thermal energy between climate zones through the flow channel. Zones with excess thermal energy automatically supply air to zones needing heating, eliminating the need for external thermal energy recovery systems while maintaining high energy efficiency through internal energy sharing.
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
Enhances energy efficiency, reduces acquisition and operating costs, and optimizes drying time and quality by recycling thermal energy between zones, minimizing the need for additional heating and reducing susceptibility to errors.
Implementation Method 1
drying air can be introduced or is introduced from at least one climate zone into at least one other climate zone during the drying process by opening flow openings of the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
at least one heating device for heating drying air
Implementation Method 3
at least one preferably reversible recirculation fan for circulating the drying air
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a continuous drying device (2) for drying hygroscopic goods to be dried, comprising a drying chamber (4) for receiving the goods to be dried, comprising conveying means for conveying the goods to be dried from an inlet (6) to an outlet (8) of the drying chamber (4) during the drying process, in a conveying direction (10), and comprising air-conditioning means for setting a drying climate in the drying chamber (4) during the operation of the drying device (2), such that a plurality of climate zones (12 to 22), in which different zone climates can be set or are set or arise, are formed in succession in the conveying direction.