Dishwasher Heat Exchanger with Turbulent-Flow Surface Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic dishwashers face inefficiencies in heat transfer between heat exchanger elements and washing liquor or air, as the heat transfer is not effectively enhanced by the conventional coiled metal heat exchanger elements.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump arrangement with heat exchanger elements featuring multiple surface elements connected via irregularly spaced connection points, creating a network of channel sections that deflect and mix the refrigerant flow, resulting in a turbulent flow that improves heat transfer between the refrigerant and the washing liquor or air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional coiled metal heat exchanger elements are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the heat transfer efficiency between the heat exchanger and washing liquor or air is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger element is divided into multiple flat surface elements (first, second, third surface elements) connected at discrete connection points, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation increases the effective heat transfer surface area and creates turbulence-promoting features that enhance heat transfer efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional coiled three-dimensional structure to a planar/flat surface element configuration. This dimensional change increases the heat transfer surface area within a compact footprint and creates unique flow patterns that enhance convective heat transfer between the heat exchanger and washing liquor or air
2Loss of energy
If the heat exchanger element uses multiple surface elements connected via connection points, then the heat transfer efficiency is improved through turbulent flow, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flat surface elements are merged into a single integrated heat exchanger element with continuous refrigerant flow paths. The connection points serve dual purposes: structural joining of surface elements and flow distribution nodes, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced heat transfer performance
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 enhances heat transfer efficiency, allowing for better heating of washing liquor during cleaning and drying, improving the overall performance of the domestic dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
at least one evaporator for evaporating a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a compressor for compressing the evaporated refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant entering the compressor during operation of the heat pump arrangement is compressed with the aid of the compressor, during which it heats up
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger element that acts as a condenser, in which the heated gaseous refrigerant condenses again and thereby emits heat
Implementation Method 4
heat must be transferred from a heat source (e.g., a thermal or air heater) of the domestic dishwasher to the wash liquor or to air entering or circulating in the domestic dishwasher
Implementation Method 5
The connection points are arranged in such a way that the refrigerant is deflected several times as it passes through the heat exchanger element and is mixed in the process, resulting in a turbulent flow that improves heat transfer
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a domestic dishwasher with a receiving space (1) for accommodating items to be washed (2), the domestic dishwasher having a heat pump arrangement with at least one evaporator (3) for evaporating a refrigerant (11) and a condenser (5) for condensing the refrigerant (11). comprises, wherein the evaporator (3) and / or the condenser (5) comprise one or more sheet-like heat exchanger elements (6). The household dishwasher is characterized in that at least one of the heat exchanger elements (6) comprises two surface elements (7) which are connected in places via connection points (26), the surface elements (7) and the connection points (26) forming a free space (10) limit over which the refrigerant (11) can pass the heat exchanger element (6), the connection points (26) being arranged in such a way that the refrigerant (11) is deflected several times when passing through the heat exchanger element (6) and is mixed in the process.