Controlling method for clothes dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes dryers face inefficiencies in energy usage and drying time due to limitations in heat pump systems and the need for auxiliary heaters, which can lead to compressor overload and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A controlling method that selectively uses a heat pump system and a heater as heat sources, where the heat pump system is turned on first, followed by the heater, and then both are turned off in sequence to manage load stability and prevent compressor overload, with checks for normal compressor operation to ensure efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a heater is employed as the heating unit in a circulating type dryer, then thermal energy can be supplied as much as necessary, but thermal efficiency is lowered and energy consumption increases due to heat exchange with the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating system adjustable and controllable through different operating modes. The controller dynamically selects between heater-only mode, heat pump-only mode, and combined mode based on real-time temperature and humidity conditions, optimizing thermal efficiency while maintaining sufficient thermal energy supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heating system by introducing multiple operating modes with different heat source combinations. By adjusting the contribution ratio of the heater and heat pump based on environmental conditions and drying requirements, the system achieves both high thermal energy supply and improved thermal efficiency.
2Productivity
If a heater is employed as the heating unit in an exhausting type dryer, then drying time is reduced by supplying thermal energy as required, but thermal efficiency is lowered and energy consumption increases due to direct discharge of hot air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the system to switch between exhausting type and circulating type operating modes. The controller adjusts the ventilation fan speed and heating power in real-time based on drying progress and environmental conditions, enabling fast drying while recovering thermal energy through the heat pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the drying system universal by combining both heater and heat pump as heat sources, and both exhausting and circulating modes as operational configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different drying requirements, achieving both rapid drying and energy efficiency depending on the specific application needs.
3Loss of energy
If the heat pump system is used as the heating unit, then energy efficiency is enhanced by recollecting and reusing energy from discharged air, but drying time increases due to limited heat supply capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heater and heat pump system into a hybrid heating configuration. The controller intelligently combines the high thermal efficiency of the heat pump with the high power output of the heater, achieving both energy efficiency and rapid drying by utilizing the complementary strengths of both heat sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using the heat pump as the primary heat source for energy efficiency, while activating the heater partially or fully when additional thermal power is needed to reduce drying time. This selective supplementation allows the system to maintain high energy efficiency while meeting urgent drying requirements.
4Loss of energy
If both the heater and heat pump system are used as heat sources, then energy efficiency and drying time can be optimized, but compressor overload may occur reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operating status of the heat pump system, particularly the compressor temperature and current load. When the heater is activated alongside the heat pump, the controller adjusts the heat pump power output based on real-time feedback signals, preventing compressor overload and ensuring reliable operation while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 method enhances energy efficiency, reduces drying time, and improves the reliability of the heat pump system by stabilizing operations and preventing compressor damage, while allowing users to select drying modes for convenience and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
The heat pump system includes two heat exchangers, a compressor and an expander (expansion apparatus). With the configuration of the heat pump system, a refrigerant which circulates in the system recollects energy contained in hot air exhausted and the recollected energy is used to heat air supplied into the drum
Implementation Method 2
the heat pump system includes an evaporator at an exhaust side from the drum and a condenser at an inlet side of the drum. Accordingly, a refrigerant absorbs thermal energy through the evaporator and then is pressurized by a compressor
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant which circulates in the system recollects energy contained in hot air exhausted and the recollected energy is used to heat air supplied into the drum
Implementation Method 4
Afterwards, the thermal energy contained in the refrigerant is transferred to air, which is introduced into the drum, through the condenser, which allows hot air to be generated by using the energy which is wasted
Implementation Method 5
The heating unit may be a type of heater, which uses electric resistance heat of high temperature generated by electrical resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling method for a dryer is applied to a dryer, in which at least one of a heat pump system and a heater is selected as a heat source for heating air supplied in to a drum and a heat supply capacity of the heat pump system is more than that of the heater. The controlling method includes, when both the heat pump system and the heater are selected as the heat sources, turning the heat pump system on, turning the heater on after the heat pump system is normally turned on, turning the heater off to cool the drum and terminate drying after the drying is performed, and turning the heat pump system off after the heater is turned off.