Condensate Drain Pipe Layout to Block Air Backflow in Garment Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In garment processing apparatuses, the backflow of air towards the condensed water discharge part due to lower pressure from the fan motor reduces the efficiency of the heat exchanger, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and increased vibration and noise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a condensed water discharge pipe with a bent storage part and a check valve, along with a drain pump system, prevents backflow by utilizing the pressure difference and storing condensed water to restrict airflow, ensuring efficient condensation and discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fan motor operates to circulate air through the heat exchanger, then air circulation and drying function are improved, but air backflow occurs due to pressure difference causing reduced heat exchanger efficiency and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is installed in the condensed water discharge pipe to act as an intermediary component that selectively allows condensed water to flow from the condensed water discharge part to the drain part while preventing air from flowing backward. This mediator component resolves the pressure difference issue by blocking the reverse air flow path without interfering with the forward air circulation needed for drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The air backflow problem is isolated and addressed by extracting the air flow control function from the condensed water discharge system. The check valve specifically extracts the function of preventing air backflow, allowing the condensed water discharge function and air circulation function to operate independently without interfering with each other.
2Productivity
If the fan motor creates pressure difference for air circulation, then drying efficiency is improved, but air backflow toward the condensed water discharge part generates vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve serves as a mediator that blocks the air backflow path, preventing the harmful vibration and noise generated when air flows backward through the condensed water discharge part. The valve allows condensed water to pass while stopping air flow, thereby eliminating the source of vibration and noise without affecting the fan motor's air circulation performance.
3Productivity
If condensed water is discharged through the condensed water discharge pipe, then condensation removal is improved, but the pipe structure allows air backflow due to lower pressure at the fan motor side
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the condensed water discharge pipe that maintains the reliability of the discharge system. It allows condensed water to flow reliably from the heat exchanger to the drain while simultaneously preventing air backflow, thereby ensuring the discharge system functions reliably without the harmful effects of air reversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge pipe system is segmented into two functional zones by the check valve: one zone for condensed water flow (from heat exchanger to drain) and another zone for air flow control (preventing backflow to the fan motor side). This segmentation allows each function to operate independently and reliably.
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 configuration maintains the efficiency of the heat exchanger, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes noise and vibration by effectively preventing air backflow and ensuring efficient condensation and discharge of condensed water.
Implementation Method 1
a condensed water discharge pipe connecting the condensed water discharge part and the drain part to allow the condensed water to flow, wherein the condensed water collected in the condensed water discharge part prevents a backflow of fluid from the drain part to the condensed water discharge part through the condensed water discharge pipe by a pressure difference generated by a drive of the fan motor
Implementation Method 2
condensed water generated from the air passing through the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger installed inside the duct
Data Source
AI summary
A garment processing apparatus including: a duct provided at an upper part of a drum, configured to form a flow passage passing through a heat exchanger installed at the inside, and having an inclined bottom surface; a fan motor installed at the duct to move air inside the duct; a condensed water discharge tray provided at a bottom surface of the duct, wherein condensed water generated from air passing through the heat exchanger is collected in the condensed water discharge tray; a drain installed at a lower part of the drum and configured to discharge the condensed water collected in the condensed water discharge tray to the outside; and a condensed water discharge pipe connecting the condensed water discharge tray and the drain to allow the condensed water to flow, wherein the condensed water collected in the condensed water discharge tray prevents a backflow of fluid from the drain tray to the condensed water discharge part through the condensed water discharge pipe caused by a pressure difference generated by a drive of the fan motor.