Dryer and method for operating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers consume excessive power during initial heating, and there is a need to improve heat transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dryer structure utilizing a steam generator and a compressor for initial heating, combined with a steam trap and preheater, enhances heat transfer efficiency by separating condensed water from steam and utilizing residual heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an electric heater is used for initial heating, then heating performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator produces steam in advance before the main heating cycle begins. This steam is stored and then used during initial heating to provide rapid heat-up without requiring high electric heater power, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining heating performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam acts as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the steam generator and the drying chamber. The steam carries thermal energy efficiently through the system, providing rapid initial heating without direct electric heater operation, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining heating effectiveness.
2Loss of energy
If a heat exchanger is used without a steam trap, then heat transfer occurs, but condensed water accumulates and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The steam trap is positioned at the exit of the heat exchanger to extract and remove condensed water from the system. This prevents water accumulation that would otherwise insulate the heat exchanger surfaces and reduce heat transfer efficiency, while allowing continuous efficient heat transfer to occur.
3Loss of energy
If residual heat is not recovered, then the system is simple, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The preheater recovers residual heat from the exhaust air that would otherwise be discarded. This recovered heat is used to preheat the incoming air before it enters the drying chamber, improving overall energy efficiency without requiring a complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The preheater serves multiple functions: it recovers residual heat from exhaust air, preheats incoming air, and reduces the energy burden on the main heating system. This multi-functionality improves energy efficiency while adding minimal system complexity.
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
Reduces power consumption during initial heating and improves heat transfer efficiency by using a steam generator and compressor together, with a steam trap and preheater to enhance heat exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator configured to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
a compressor configured to compress the steam generated by the steam generator
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger configured to heat the air to be introduced into the drying chamber using the compressed steam
Implementation Method 4
a steam trap configured to separate condensed water from the steam compressed by the compressor
Implementation Method 5
a preheater configured to preheat air to be introduced into the heat exchanger using heat from an exit of the heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a dryer and method for operating same that are useful in a 5G environment provided for the Internet of Things. The dryer of the disclosure includes a tumbler, a fan connected to the exit of the tumbler, a heat exchanger disposed in a flow line of a working fluid connected to the exit of the fan, a compressor having an entrance connected to a flow line connected to the exit of the fan and an exit connected to the entrance of the heat exchanger, and a steam generator having an exit connected to the entrance of the compressor.