Dryer Condenser Closed-Circuit Coolant Layout for Low Water Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical household appliances for drying items, such as laundry or dishes, face high water consumption issues, leading to economic and environmental concerns due to the excessive use of cooling water during the drying process.
Innovation Solution
The appliance incorporates a closed recirculation system where moist air is heated and reintroduced into the drying compartment, and a condenser uses a coolant path with a closed circuit for continuous recycling, minimizing water waste and allowing operation without a nearby water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling water is sprayed inside the duct to condense moisture, then condensation efficiency is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of coolant from sprayed liquid water to circulating liquid in a closed circuit. The coolant flows through channels in the duct wall, changing from direct spray contact to indirect heat exchange, thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining condensation efficiency through continuous circulation and heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coolant system that mediates between the moist air and the condensation process. Instead of spraying water directly into the air stream, a coolant circulates through duct walls, acting as an intermediary heat transfer medium that condenses moisture without requiring large amounts of sprayed water.
2Reliability
If cooling water is continuously supplied to the duct, then condensation performance is maintained, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of coolant through a closed circuit system. The coolant continuously absorbs heat from the moist air passing through the duct, maintaining steady condensation performance. The circulation pump ensures continuous heat exchange, eliminating the need for continuous fresh water supply while sustaining condensation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers the coolant after it has absorbed heat from the air stream. Instead of discarding the warmed coolant, it is circulated back through the duct where it continues to absorb heat, recovering its cooling capacity through continuous circulation and maintaining condensation performance without requiring continuous fresh water input.
3Loss of substance
If a closed recirculation system is used for coolant, then water consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coolant circulation system with the existing duct structure. The coolant channels are integrated into the duct wall, combining the structural function of the duct with the thermal function of the heat exchanger. This integration reduces the need for separate components while achieving closed recirculation and minimizing water consumption.
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 reduces water consumption, lowers operating costs, and minimizes environmental impact by reusing heated air and recycling coolant, enabling efficient drying while conserving resources.
Implementation Method 1
The condenser (4) in which there is an exchange of heat between the discharging conduit (3) and the path (8) for conveying the coolant
Implementation Method 2
The condenser (4) permits the condensation of at least a part of the steam present in the gaseous fluid
Implementation Method 3
an impeller (5) which draws the gaseous fluid (typically moist air) from the drying compartment (2)
Implementation Method 4
Downstream of the impeller (5), the gaseous fluid is advantageously heated, for example by means of a resistor
Implementation Method 5
The path (8) for conveying the coolant comprises a circuit that extends along a closed line
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
An electrical household appliance for drying items comprising a drying compartment (2) a conduit (3) for discharging a gaseous fluid from said drying compartment (2); a path (8) for conveying a coolant; a condenser (4) in which there is a heat exchange between the discharging conduit (3) and the path (8) for conveying the coolant, whereby said condenser (4) comprises: an area (41) for the passage of the gaseous fluid arriving from the drying compartment (2), said area (41) being integrated in the conduit (3) for discharging the said gaseous fluid; a channel (42) for the passage of a coolant integrated in said path (8), said path (8) comprises a circuit extending along a closed line integrating said channel (42).