Dishwasher Sorption Drying With Separate Desorption Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face inefficiencies in process duration and energy consumption during the desorption phase of sorption media, as they require heating the entire tub and its contents to regenerate the sorption medium, which can lead to prolonged drying times and increased energy use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a separate condensation circuit within the dishwasher, which allows for the desorption of moisture from the sorption medium without using air from the drying circuit, enabling quicker temperature attainment and reducing the need to heat the tub and its contents, thereby optimizing energy usage and drying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air from the drying circuit is used for desorption of the sorption medium, then the existing air circulation system can be utilized, but the entire tub and its contents must be heated which prolongs process duration and increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is segmented into two separate circuits: a drying circuit for removing moisture from dishes during drying, and a condensation circuit for desorbing moisture from the sorption medium. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function, with the condensation circuit heating only a small volume of air rather than the entire tub contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The desorption function is extracted from the drying circuit and assigned to a separate condensation circuit. This extraction enables the desorption process to operate independently with its own dedicated air flow path, eliminating the need to heat the entire tub and dishes for sorption medium regeneration.
2Device complexity
If air from the drying circuit is used for desorption, then system simplicity is maintained, but process duration is prolonged due to heating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is divided into separate drying and condensation circuits, allowing the condensation circuit to operate independently with faster heating response.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation circuit is prepared in advance with its own air flow path and heating elements, enabling immediate desorption operation without waiting for the drying circuit to complete its cycle.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the entire tub volume is heated for desorption, then complete air circulation is achieved, but local overheating of the tub occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is localized to the condensation circuit where only a small volume of air needs to be heated for desorption, rather than heating the entire tub. This localized approach prevents thermal stress and local overheating while maintaining effective moisture removal.
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 approach allows for faster and more efficient desorption of moisture from the sorption medium, reducing process duration and energy consumption while preventing local overheating of the tub, thus enhancing overall dishwasher performance.
Implementation Method 1
Sorption media of the type mentioned, for example in the form of zeolite, can be used in dishwashers to remove moisture from the process air while the dishes are drying (sorption phase). During the sorption of the moisture in the sorption medium, heat is released
Implementation Method 2
In order to regenerate the sorption medium, i.e. to desorb the moisture sorbed during drying from the sorption medium, a heater is provided, with which the sorption medium can be heated
Implementation Method 3
The still warm, moist air emerging from the sorption medium returns to the cooler tub, where the moisture at least partially condenses out
Implementation Method 4
pump gas, in particular air, through the sorption medium via the condensation cycle or to circulate it by means of free convection
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The washer has a tub (1) for receiving items to be rinsed, and drying circuits e.g. dry air fan (15), return line (16) and return valve (17) for drying the items in the tub. The washer circulates air to the drying circuit between the tub and sorption medium (12) e.g. zeolite, for removing moisture from the tub. Condensation circuits e.g. condensation air fan (19), line (20), and valve (24) regenerates the sorption medium, where the washer heats the sorption medium during a desorption phase and pumps gas in to the condensation circuits for removing moisture from the sorption medium. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating the dishwasher.