Fluidized Adsorbent Bed Drying System for Dishwasher Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drying systems in dishwashers often fail to completely dry loads, take longer than desired, and can lead to humid air condensing back onto dishes, affecting performance, speed, and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drying system utilizing a fluidized bed with an adsorbent material, where air is flowed through to maintain the adsorbent in a fluidized state, allowing for efficient heat transfer and moisture absorption during both regeneration and adsorption cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drying systems are used, then the drying process can be implemented, but the drying performance is insufficient and energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the adsorbent material from static to fluidized by introducing air flow through the bed. This parameter change in the flow state enables much faster mass transfer and moisture adsorption kinetics, dramatically improving drying speed while maintaining energy efficiency through the cyclic regeneration process
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static adsorbent bed to a dynamic fluidized bed where particles are continuously suspended and mixed by air flow. This dynamic state enhances contact between the adsorbent and humid air, improving drying performance. The system further employs cyclic operation with alternating adsorption and regeneration phases to optimize both speed and energy efficiency
2Reliability
If conventional drying systems are used, then drying can occur, but the drying is not complete and humid air condenses back onto dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidization of the adsorbent bed changes the mass transfer parameters, enabling complete moisture removal from the air stream. The intense mixing and contact in the fluidized state ensures that the adsorbent reaches its full capacity, producing completely dry air that prevents condensation on dishes
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs continuous cyclic operation where the adsorbent is constantly being regenerated and reused. During the adsorption phase, humid air is completely dried; during the regeneration phase, the adsorbent is reheated to release captured moisture. This continuous cycle ensures consistently dry air is supplied to the tub, preventing condensation
3Productivity
If a fluidized bed with adsorbent material is used, then regeneration and adsorption efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air circuit serves multiple functions: it fluidizes the adsorbent bed, provides heat transfer medium for regeneration, and acts as the drying air stream during adsorption. The tub walls serve dual purposes as both the drying chamber boundary and the heat source for regeneration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing system complexity while maintaining high drying efficiency
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 system effectively regenerates the adsorbent material using heat transfer from the tub, enhancing both regeneration and adsorption processes, thereby improving drying efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the air circuit receives hot humid air at the air inlet from the tub outlet to be dried by the adsorbent material through the fluidized bed
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the air inlet is in contact with at least one wall of the tub such that heat is transferred from the tub to the air therein
Implementation Method 3
a fluidized bed containing an adsorbent material in a fluidized state when air is flowed through the fluidized bed
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a housing having walls defining a tub with an outlet for humid air to flow out from the tub and an inlet for dry air to flow into the tub. The dishwasher also includes a drying system with a fluidized bed containing an adsorbent material, and an air circuit for supplying air to fluidize the adsorbent material via an air inlet, with at least a portion of the air inlet in contact with at least one wall of the tub such that heat is transferred from the tub to the air. During a regeneration cycle, the air circuit supplies heated ambient air to the fluidized bed to regenerate the adsorbent material. During an adsorption cycle, the air circuit receives hot humid air from the tub to be dried by the adsorbent material through the fluidized bed and returned as dry air to the tub.