Drier and method for operating a drier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers are inefficient in removing residual water from textiles, leading to high energy consumption and damage to textiles due to overheating and prolonged drying times, resulting in suboptimal drying efficiency and economic losses for laundry companies.
Innovation Solution
A dryer design that regulates the proportion of circulating air and heating output during different drying phases using a control device, incorporating sensors for humidity and temperature, and utilizing recirculated air to minimize energy usage and prevent overheating, with modular configurations for efficient heat management and gentle drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperatures and prolonged drying times are used to remove residual water from textiles, then drying efficiency is improved, but textile damage increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the circulating air proportion and heating output during the drying process. The control device modifies these parameters in real-time based on the drying phase and measured textile moisture content, transitioning from high-temperature initial drying to lower-temperature finishing drying. This dynamic approach maintains high drying efficiency while preventing textile damage from excessive heat exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the drying process by adjusting the proportion of circulating air and heating output throughout the drying cycle. The control device increases circulating air proportion during later drying phases when less thermal energy is needed, and decreases it during initial phases requiring higher temperatures. This parameter modulation optimizes both drying efficiency and textile protection.
2Loss of time
If high temperatures are used to accelerate water evaporation, then drying time is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing distinct drying phases with different temperature and circulating air proportion settings. The control device transitions between phases based on moisture content thresholds, using high-temperature periods for rapid initial drying and lower-temperature periods for final moisture removal. This periodic modulation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining acceptable drying times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining the drying process without interruption, using the control device to continuously monitor moisture content and adjust parameters. The circulating air system operates continuously with varying proportions, ensuring that water removal proceeds without stopping while optimizing energy use throughout the entire drying cycle.
3Loss of energy
If circulating air proportion is increased during drying, then energy efficiency is improved, but drying speed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic control to adjust the circulating air proportion based on the drying phase and textile moisture content. During initial drying phases with high moisture content, the control device uses lower circulating air proportions with higher heating output to maintain drying speed. As drying progresses and moisture content decreases, the control device increases the circulating air proportion to improve energy efficiency, accepting reduced drying speed at this later stage.
4Productivity
If heating output is increased to reduce drying time, then productivity is improved, but textile overheating and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the heating output dynamically throughout the drying process. The control device uses high heating output during initial phases when textile moisture content is high and cooling demand is low. As drying progresses and textiles approach optimal moisture levels, the control device reduces heating output to prevent overheating and damage, while maintaining adequate drying speed through adjusted circulating air proportions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the control device continuously monitors textile moisture content and adjusts heating output accordingly. The sensor measurements feed back to the control device, which modulates heating power to maintain optimal drying conditions without causing overheating. This closed-loop feedback ensures productivity is maximized while preventing textile damage from excessive heat.
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 significantly reduces energy consumption and minimizes textile damage by optimizing the drying process with high air saturation and low temperatures, ensuring efficient and gentle drying of textiles.
Implementation Method 1
the residual water is removed from the textiles under the influence of heat
Implementation Method 2
the porous material to be dried is heated by hot air, which is directed to the textiles by means of a blower and at the same time takes over the removal of the evaporated water
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drier comprising a receptacle (4) for the items to be dried, an air guide for guiding recirculated air (12) and/or fresh air (5) to the receptacle (4), a heating device (19) and at least one sensor (13, 17) for determining relative humidity and/or temperature, the air guide comprising at least one selection element (9, 11) so that the amount of recirculated air guided to the receptacle (4) can be varied using said selection element (9, 11). The drier according to the invention is characterized by comprising an open-loop or closed-loop controller so that the amount of recirculated air guided to the receptacle and/or the heating power of the heating device (19) can be controlled or adjusted during drying. The invention further relates to a method for operating a drier.