Dishwasher Heat Pump Drying Duct for Low-Energy Moisture Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers require significant thermal energy to regenerate dehumidifying agents, leading to high energy consumption during the drying process.

Innovation Solution

A home appliance with a drying apparatus that incorporates a heat pump unit, including an evaporator, condenser, and compressor, which uses a refrigerant like R-134a or R-410A, and a circulation fan to efficiently dry the dishwashing tub by suctioning and re-discharging air, eliminating the need for thermal energy to regenerate dehumidifying agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a porous dehumidifying agent is used to absorb vapor in the dishwashing tub, then the drying function is achieved, but a great amount of thermal energy is required to regenerate the dehumidifying agent, leading to high energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying functionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pump unit utilizes phase transitions of refrigerant (evaporation and condensation) to achieve cooling and drying functions. The refrigerant evaporates at the evaporator to absorb heat from the dishwashing tub air, then condenses at the condenser to release heat externally, creating a continuous cooling cycle that dries dishes without requiring thermal energy for regeneration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the thermal regeneration system (heater-based) with a mechanical refrigeration system (heat pump). Instead of using thermal energy to evaporate moisture from the dehumidifying agent, the system uses a compressor-driven refrigeration cycle to cool and condense moisture from the air directly, substituting mechanical energy for thermal energy in the regeneration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a heater is used to heat the dehumidifying agent during washing or rinsing processes, then the dehumidifying agent is regenerated, but additional thermal energy is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregeneration processVSAvoidthermal energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pump unit performs multiple functions: it cools the dishwashing tub air during drying, condenses moisture from the air, and can also cool the refrigerant for efficient heat exchange. This multi-functional system replaces the dedicated heater for regeneration, eliminating the need for separate thermal energy input while achieving the same regeneration effect through cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful effect of moisture accumulation in the dishwashing tub into a beneficial cooling effect. The moisture that needs to be removed is condensed on the evaporator, and the phase change from liquid to vapor absorbs heat from the surrounding air, providing free cooling while simultaneously achieving drying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enhances drying efficiency while reducing energy consumption and prevents damage to furniture from moisture, thereby improving product quality and reducing energy costs.

Implementation Method 1

A drying apparatus (100) is provided in a dish washer, capable of efficiently drying a dishwashing tub (20) by using a refrigeration cycle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration cycle:

Implementation Method 2

the evaporator and the condenser are disposed inside the drying duct such that air in the dishwashing tub passes through the evaporator first and then the condenser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

The evaporator and the condenser may be disposed inside the drying duct such that air in the dishwashing tub passes through the evaporator first

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 4

air in the dishwashing tub passes through the evaporator first and then the condenser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat release: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10039434B2Household appliance having drying apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a home appliance provided with a drying apparatus, capable of improving the drying performance. The home appliance includes a body, a dishwashing tub provided in the body and in which a washing operation and a drying operation are conducted, and a drying apparatus provided in the dishwashing tub, and configured to suction air inside the dishwashing tub and discharge the suctioned air to the inside of the dishwashing tub again. The drying apparatus includes a drying duct communicating with the dishwashing tub, a heat pump unit including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve, and the evaporator and the condenser are disposed inside the drying duct such that air in the dishwashing tub passes through the evaporator first and then the condenser.