Drying apparatus and washing machine having the same and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machine drying apparatuses have inefficiencies in condensation processes, leading to longer drying times and increased power consumption due to suboptimal condensation water management.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a condenser duct with a condensation water storage unit and a controlled water supply system, where condensation water is efficiently reused to enhance condensation efficiency by strategically positioning the water supply nozzle and using a dispersion member to facilitate air passage and heat exchange, thereby optimizing the condensation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If condensation water is not efficiently managed and reused, then condensation efficiency is low, but drying time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the condensation water produced during the drying process itself to enhance condensation efficiency, creating a self-sustaining cycle where the byproduct (condensation water) is reused to improve the main function (moisture removal), thereby increasing productivity without additional time cost
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the condensation water as waste, the system recovers and stores it in the condensation water storage unit for subsequent reuse in the condensation process, transforming a waste stream into a valuable resource that enhances drying efficiency and reduces overall drying time
2Productivity
If condensation water is not efficiently managed and reused, then condensation efficiency is low, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the air stream by introducing stored condensation water into the condenser duct, optimizing the temperature and humidity conditions to enhance condensation efficiency and reduce the energy required for the drying process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own produced condensation water to maintain optimal condensation conditions, reducing the need for additional energy input from external heating elements and thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining high productivity
3Productivity
If condensation water is stored and reused, then condensation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation water storage unit is integrated with the existing condenser duct system, merging the storage function with the condensation pathway. This combination approach enhances condensation efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing existing structural space and flow paths
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 improves condensation efficiency, reducing drying time and power consumption by effectively managing condensation water and enhancing the drying process.
Implementation Method 1
The condenser duct is configured to condense moisture in air introduced from the inside the drum
Implementation Method 2
The condensation water storage unit is formed at a circumference of the condenser duct to store condensation water that is used to condense the moisture in the air moving inside the condenser duct
Implementation Method 3
The drying duct is configured to heat the air introduced from the condenser duct and supply the heated air to the inside the drum
Implementation Method 4
The water supply nozzle is provided at a lower portion of the condensation water storage unit. The condensation water which is introduced through the water supply nozzle is moved to an upper portion of the condensation water storage unit
Implementation Method 5
The condenser duct further includes a dispersion member that allows the condensation water introduced through the communicating hole to be dispersed inside the condenser duct and fall
Data Source
AI summary
A drying apparatus having a structure capable of improving condensation efficiency, and a washing machine having the same. The washing machine including a cabinet, a tub installed inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed inside the tub, a condenser duct configured to condense moisture in air introduced from the inside the drum, a drying duct configured to heat the air introduced from the condenser duct and supply the heated air to the inside the drum, and a condensation water storage unit formed at a circumference of the condenser duct to store condensation water that is used to condense the moisture in the air moving inside the condenser duct.