Heat Pump Dryer Drain Channel Layout to Keep the Condenser Dry
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heat pump laundry dryers, the condenser's heating efficiency is compromised due to humid air entering the drain channel and causing condensation, which leads to wetting and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A guiding means with a downward inclination is integrated between the evaporator and condenser, preventing humid air from entering the drain channel and directing condensate water away from the condenser, ensuring the air remains dry and the condenser remains free from moisture, thereby enhancing heating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drain channel is open between evaporator and condenser to allow condensate discharge, then water drainage is improved, but processing air enters the drain channel causing humidification and condenser performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The drain channel is segmented into two distinct sections: an upper section that allows processing air to pass through to the condenser, and a lower section that collects and drains condensate water. This segmentation prevents mixed flow of air and water while maintaining both ventilation and drainage functions independently
Solution Approach 2:
The drain channel is positioned in the lower portion of the evaporator assembly, utilizing vertical spatial arrangement to separate air flow (horizontal/upper path) from water drainage (vertical/lower path). This dimensional separation allows air to bypass water accumulation zones while maintaining condenser heating efficiency
2Productivity
If condensate water is allowed to accumulate in the drain channel for efficient drainage, then water discharge is improved, but processing air contacts the water causing humidification
Solution Approach 1:
The drain channel cross-section is divided into an upper air passage region and a lower water collection region. This segmentation allows condensate to accumulate in the lower region for efficient drainage while maintaining a separate upper pathway for dry processing air to reach the condenser without contact with water
Solution Approach 2:
The drain channel structure acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the evaporator and condenser, providing a dedicated water drainage pathway that prevents direct contact between processing air and condensate while maintaining pressure balance and flow continuity
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 effectively prevents the condenser from getting wet, maintaining its heating efficiency and ensuring consistent drying performance by separating air and water flows, thus improving the overall efficiency of the heat pump laundry dryer.
Implementation Method 1
humid air condensing at the evaporator trickles down from the evaporator as water droplets
Implementation Method 2
guides the condensation water scattered from the evaporator due to the effect of the airflow, towards the drain channel without entering into the condenser
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a heat pump laundry dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) wherein the laundry to be dried is placed, a ventilation duct (3) wherein the processing air cycle is realized, a fan (4) providing the circulation of the processing air, a compressor (5) providing the refrigerant cycle, an evaporator (6) placed into the ventilation duct (3), that condenses the humid processing air, a condenser (7) placed into the ventilation duct (3), that heats the processing air dehumidified at the evaporator (6), a pump (8) providing the condensate water to be discharged and a drain channel (9) that extends between the evaporator (6) and the condenser (7) and that provides the condensate water coming from the evaporator (6) to be delivered to the pump (8) in order to be discharged.