Device and method for heat pump based clothes dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump dryers face inefficiencies due to lint accumulation and balancing issues, leading to increased energy consumption and longer drying times, as they do not effectively utilize the enthalpy of circulating fluids and air.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump dryer system with a housing, drum, and a pathway for air flow, utilizing a circulating fluid to dehumidify air and exchange heat with an evaporator, including a controller to manage temperature and humidity, and a collector to separate lint and condense moisture, optimizing the enthalpy use within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heat pump dryers use a closed loop system with condenser cooled by ambient air, then energy consumption is reduced, but drying time increases due to higher humidity of recirculated air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermodynamic parameters of the recirculated air by introducing a secondary refrigeration cycle that actively removes moisture through condensation at controlled temperatures, transforming the air from a high-humidity state that prolongs drying to a controlled humidity state that maintains drying efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary refrigeration cycle as an intermediary system between the primary heat pump and the air to be dried. This intermediate refrigeration cycle acts as a moisture removal mechanism, condensing water vapor from the recirculated air and enabling the system to maintain lower humidity levels without increasing energy consumption
2Loss of energy
If heat pump dryers recirculate warm humid air through evaporator and condenser, then heat is conserved, but lint accumulation occurs causing lower heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts lint from the recirculated air stream using a filtration system positioned in the airflow path between the drum and the heat exchange components. By removing lint particles before they can accumulate on the evaporator and condenser surfaces, the system maintains optimal heat transfer efficiency while continuing to recirculate and conserve heat
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary filtration of the recirculated air before it enters the heat exchange components. The filtration system is positioned to remove lint and particulate matter in advance, preventing accumulation on the evaporator and condenser surfaces before heat transfer occurs, thereby maintaining system reliability
3Loss of substance
If continuous flow of cold water is introduced to warm humid air for dehumidification, then moisture is removed, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water from vapor to liquid through controlled condensation in the secondary refrigeration cycle. By cooling the recirculated air below its dew point in the condenser, moisture automatically condenses and is collected, eliminating the need for continuous cold water flow and significantly reducing water consumption
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 configuration reduces energy consumption and drying time by efficiently using the enthalpy of the circulating fluid and air, preventing lint buildup, and maintaining balanced system performance.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator coil cools the air and condenses the water vapor into either a drain pipe or a collection tank
Implementation Method 2
the hot side reheats the air
Implementation Method 3
a circulating fluid exchanges heat with an evaporator. A cool circulating fluid is introduced to a warm humid airflow to condense and collect moisture therein
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerant therein and an enclosure at least partially containing the heat sink and is arranged to accept the fluid from the pathway to exchange heat with the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heat pump based dryer or a combination washer and dryer device comprising a housing receiving a drum for containing associated articles to be dried by air that flows along a pathway between an outlet and an inlet of the housing. A fluid is provided in the pathway to at least partially remove moisture from the air. A heat pump includes a heat source located at least partially within the pathway and a heat sink being operatively adapted to the heat source to circulate a refrigerant therein. An enclosure at least partially containing the heat sink is arranged to accept the fluid from the pathway to exchange heat with the heat sink and return the fluid to the pathway. Fluid may be provided to the pathway by a spray nozzle adjacent the outlet or by an evaporative media downstream of a lint separator.