Method of removing heat from a clothes tumbling system on the outside of the cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensing drying machines face inefficiencies in heat removal from the internal airflow system, as the heat exchanger is disposed internally, leading to increased internal temperatures and reduced dehumidification efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A condensing dryer design featuring a closed-loop airflow path with a blower and condensing unit attached to the external surface of the cabinet, utilizing an open airflow path for ambient air to exchange heat with the process air, cooling and dehumidifying it, while keeping ambient air separated from the closed-loop path, and using a shroud to direct and vent heated ambient air externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the heat exchanger is disposed internally within the cabinet, then the device complexity is reduced and installation is simplified, but the internal cabinet temperature increases and dehumidification efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing unit is extracted from the internal cabinet space and relocated to the external surface of the cabinet. This separation removes the heat-generating component from the enclosed environment, allowing the internal cabinet temperature to remain lower while the external surface dissipates the heat to the surrounding air.
2Device complexity
If the heat exchanger is disposed internally within the cabinet, then the device structure is simplified, but the dehumidification efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing unit is extracted from the internal airflow path and positioned externally, where it can access ambient air for heat exchange. This external positioning allows the heat exchanger to operate with a larger temperature differential between the process air and cooling air, significantly improving dehumidification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange process is moved from the internal three-dimensional space to the external surface of the cabinet. This dimensional transition allows the condensing unit to utilize the cabinet's external surface area as a heat dissipation interface, improving heat transfer efficiency and dehumidification performance.
3Productivity
If ambient air is mixed with the closed-loop airflow path, then the heat exchange efficiency increases, but the ambient air becomes contaminated and the drying process is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow system is segmented into two distinct pathways: a closed-loop path for the drying process air that remains contained and recirculated, and an open path for ambient air that serves solely as a cooling medium. This segmentation allows efficient heat exchange at the condensing unit surface while preventing any mixing or contamination between the process air and ambient air.
Solution Approach 2:
The external condensing unit surface acts as an intermediary heat exchange interface between the closed-loop process air and the open ambient air. Heat is transferred through this intermediate surface without requiring direct mixing of the two air streams, maintaining the integrity of the drying process air while achieving effective cooling.
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 enhances dehumidification efficiency, reduces internal cabinet temperature, and increases the drying time efficiency by effectively exchanging heat with ambient air, improving the overall performance of the condensing dryer.
Implementation Method 1
The condensing unit is configured to exchange heat between the process air within the closed-loop airflow path and the ambient air moved through the open airflow path
Implementation Method 2
An open airflow path directs ambient air through the condensing unit and to an area exterior to the cabinet
Implementation Method 3
The ambient air cools and dehumidifies the process air to form condensate on an interior surface of the condensing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A drying appliance includes a cabinet. A blower directs process air through a closed-loop airflow path and through a processing chamber and a condensing unit. The condensing unit is attached to an external surface of the cabinet. An open airflow path directs ambient air through the condensing unit and to an area exterior to the cabinet. The ambient air remains separated from the closed-loop airflow path. The condensing unit is configured to exchange heat between the process air within the closed-loop airflow path and the ambient air moved through the open airflow path. The ambient air cools and dehumidifies the process air to form condensate on an interior surface of the condensing unit.