Laundry Dryer Thermal Storage Using PCM and Recovered Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances face inefficiencies in heat utilization and energy consumption, as excess thermal energy is often dissipated rather than stored for later use, and reliance on traditional energy sources increases operational costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal storage mechanism with a phase change material that captures excess heat from the appliance's heating elements and utilizes renewable energy sources to charge and store thermal energy for subsequent laundry cycles, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If excess thermal energy is dissipated rather than stored, then the appliance structure remains simple, but energy utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change material (PCM) that transitions between solid and liquid states to store and release thermal energy. During charging, the PCM absorbs excess heat from the heating element through melting (solid to liquid phase transition). During discharge, the PCM releases stored heat through freezing (liquid to solid phase transition), thereby capturing otherwise wasted thermal energy without requiring complex active storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal storage mechanism as an intermediary component between the heating element and the environment. This mechanism includes a thermal storage chamber with PCM that mediates the heat transfer process, absorbing excess heat from the heating element during operation and releasing it during subsequent cycles, thus improving overall energy utilization efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional energy sources are used, then operational costs increase, but reliance on renewable energy sources requires additional system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service thermal energy storage system where the PCM automatically charges itself during heating operations. The thermal storage mechanism captures excess heat generated by the heating element during normal appliance operation, storing it passively without requiring external power input or active control systems. This self-charging capability reduces operational energy costs while avoiding the complexity of external renewable energy integration systems.
3Productivity
If cycle duration is reduced through increased temperature, then productivity improves, but energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating air using thermal energy stored in the PCM from previous operations. Before the main drying cycle begins, the stored thermal energy is released to heat the process air, creating a head start for the drying process. This preliminary heating reduces the total time required for drying while utilizing previously captured heat, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by creating a closed-loop thermal energy system where heat is continuously captured during heating phases and released during drying phases. The PCM maintains thermal energy availability across operational cycles, ensuring that useful thermal action continues without interruption or waste, thereby accelerating drying speed while maintaining energy efficiency through continuous heat utilization.
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
The thermal storage mechanism allows for increased temperature in the drying process, reducing cycle duration and energy requirements, while utilizing renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A phase change material retains heat at least from the heating assembly that is directed away from the process air to define captured heat
Implementation Method 2
delivering the captured heat from the phase change material into the process air for operating the subsequent drying cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a blower that directs process air through an airflow path. A rotating drum holds articles to be processed. A heat pump system has a condenser and an evaporator. The evaporator dehumidifies the process air that is delivered from the drum and the condenser heats the process air that is delivered from the evaporator. A thermal storage mechanism retains heat at least from the condenser that is directed away from the process air to define captured heat, and the captured heat of the thermal storage mechanism is utilized during a subsequent laundry cycle. A secondary heater is powered by an external source that delivers thermal energy to the thermal storage mechanism.