Dry-Cleaning Drum Air Circuit Using Condenser Heat for Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry-cleaning machines require additional energy-intensive heating elements to effectively dry and abate solvents from articles, leading to increased energy consumption and costs.
Innovation Solution
A dry-cleaning machine with a closed air circulation circuit that integrates a refrigeration system with a condenser and evaporator as heat exchangers, utilizing the refrigeration system's thermal power to heat and condense air, eliminating the need for additional heating elements by optimizing the refrigeration cycle to achieve efficient drying and solvent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If additional heating elements are used to heat the air to sufficient temperature for effective drying and solvent removal, then the drying effectiveness and solvent abatement are improved, but the energy consumption and operating costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the refrigeration cycle by utilizing the condenser as a heating element. The heat generated during refrigerant condensation is redirected to heat the air in the drying chamber, combining two functions (refrigeration and heating) into a single integrated system, thereby eliminating the need for separate heating elements and reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by the refrigeration system's condenser into a useful heating source for the drying process. Instead of dissipating this thermal energy, it is captured and utilized to heat the air to the required temperature for solvent removal, transforming a potentially harmful waste product into a beneficial resource
2Temperature
If additional heating elements are installed in series with the refrigeration condenser to achieve sufficient air temperature, then the drying performance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with the existing refrigeration condenser, eliminating the need for separate heating elements. The condenser serves dual purposes: refrigeration and heating, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of components required
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration condenser is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a refrigeration component and a heating element for the drying process. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by having one component serve multiple purposes rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function
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
The machine achieves effective and economical dry-cleaning and drying cycles without additional thermal power, reducing energy costs and simplifying the process, while maintaining compatibility with current dry-cleaning cycle durations.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser for condensing the solvent contained in the air and a heating element for heating the air before reintroducing it into the drum
Implementation Method 2
a condenser for condensing the solvent contained in the air
Implementation Method 3
The condenser usually consists of the evaporator of a refrigeration circuit whilst the condenser of the same circuit forms the above-mentioned air heating element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The machine (1) for dry-cleaning and drying articles such as clothes, household linen, towels, curtains and the like comprises a rotary drum (2) which contains the articles, a closed circuit (3) for circulation of the air used for drying the articles and a refrigeration system (14) for the treatment of said drying air.