Heat Pump Dryer Condenser Bypass for Thermal Load Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for heat pump dryers face challenges in maintaining thermal load balance due to insufficient heat removal through the evaporator, leading to increased complexity and cost when using fans or additional condensers to enhance heat exchange.
Innovation Solution
A by-pass system controlled by an electro-valve directs the refrigerant flow through the condenser, allowing for adjustable heat exchange by diverting the flow through either the entire condenser or a by-pass, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fan is used to blow air on the condenser to increase heat exchange, then the thermal load balance is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a three-way valve to dynamically redirect refrigerant flow through different paths (full condenser, partial condenser, or bypass) based on thermal load requirements. This dynamic flow control allows the system to adjust heat exchange capacity without adding fans or additional condensers, resolving the contradiction between thermal balance performance and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the refrigerant flow parameters (flow rate, distribution ratio) through the condenser using the three-way valve to achieve different heat exchange levels. By controlling the valve position, the system can optimize thermal load balance without increasing device complexity, as the same condenser structure serves multiple operational modes
2Temperature
If an additional condenser (post-condenser) is used to increase heat exchange, then the thermal load balance is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way valve enables dynamic configuration of the refrigerant path, allowing the existing condenser to operate in different modes (full engagement, partial engagement, or bypass). This eliminates the need for an additional post-condenser while maintaining the ability to adjust heat exchange capacity according to thermal load demands
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the existing condenser multi-functional by allowing it to operate at different heat exchange levels through refrigerant flow redirection. The same condenser structure serves as full condenser, partial condenser, or bypass element, eliminating the need for additional condensing components and reducing system complexity
3Device complexity
If the electro-valve directs refrigerant flow through the by-pass, then the heat exchange is reduced, but the system complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way valve provides dynamic control over refrigerant flow distribution, enabling the system to switch between high heat exchange mode (through condenser) and low heat exchange mode (through bypass) based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to reduce complexity by eliminating additional components while maintaining thermal balance control through flow path selection
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 enables efficient control of thermal balance by adjusting condenser heat exchange without the need for additional components, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
upstream the condenser in the refrigeration circuit 22 it is placed a three-way valve 32 which can direct the flow of refrigerant towards the condenser or toward a by-bass pipe 34
Implementation Method 2
the heat released by the condenser of the cooling system
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange through the condenser has to be increased or reduced according to the working condition of the drier
Implementation Method 4
The cooling system is not only used to remove water by condensation on evaporator surface from the warm air downstream the drier drum
Implementation Method 5
remove water by condensation on evaporator surface
Implementation Method 6
a refrigeration circuit including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
A cooling system for a heat pump drier comprises a refrigeration circuit including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. The refrigeration circuit comprises a three-way valve upstream the condenser and adapted to by-bass partially the condenser at a predetermined distance from the inlet point.