Condenser Dryer Water Flow Detection Using Air Channel Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry drying machines face inefficiencies in detecting condensation water flow, leading to reduced drying performance and potential machine damage due to inaccurate and costly flow sensors, as well as wasteful water and time usage in detecting water supply issues.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves a preheating step followed by a detecting step, where the condensation valve is turned on to measure temperature changes in the air circulation channel, allowing for accurate determination of water supply quantity without additional costly sensors, and adjusting heating temperatures accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow sensor is used to detect condensation water flow, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow sensor system with a thermal detection system. A temperature sensor detects temperature changes in the air circulation channel, and a control unit calculates water supply quantity based on these temperature changes. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical flow sensors while achieving accurate detection of condensation water flow.
2Reliability
If water supply detection is performed before drying begins, then water supply issues are detected early, but water and time are wasted during preheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs water supply detection during the preheating phase, which is a preliminary action before the main drying process. By detecting temperature changes during preheating, the system identifies water supply issues early without requiring separate detection time, thus avoiding delays in the drying process while ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If condensation valve is turned on continuously to ensure water supply, then water supply reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the control unit continuously monitors temperature changes in the air circulation channel and adjusts the condensation valve operation accordingly. When temperature changes indicate sufficient water supply, the valve can be reduced or stopped, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable water supply when needed.
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 approach enhances detection precision, minimizes water and time wastage, and prevents machine damage by accurately assessing condensation water flow, ensuring reliable operation even with low water supply.
Implementation Method 1
a condensation valve for supplying water into the air circulation channel to condense humidity from air coming from the accommodation chamber
Implementation Method 2
providing heated air in the accommodation chamber
Implementation Method 3
determine, according to a temperature change at a specific position in the air circulation channel, a quantity of water supplied by the condensation valve
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method to operate a laundry drying machine 1, wherein the laundry drying machine 1 comprises: a control device 12, an accommodation chamber 3 for accommodating laundry, an air circulation channel 7 in communication with the accommodation chamber 3, and a condensation valve 14 for supplying water into the air circulation channel 7 to condense humidity from air coming from the accommodation chamber 3; the method which comprises executing a preheating step S1; in the preheating step S1, providing heated air in the accommodation chamber 3 and turning off the condensation valve 14; the method further comprising: performing a detecting step S2 for detecting condensation water after the preheating step S1; in the detecting step S2, stopping providing heated air in the accommodation chamber 3, turning on the condensation valve 14, and determine, according to a temperature change at a specific position in the air circulation channel 7, a quantity of water supplied by the condensation valve 14. Also disclosed is a laundry drying machine 1 that can implement such method.