Heat Pump Module Drainage Structure for Evaporator Condensate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pump modules in drying apparatuses face issues with condensed water formation on evaporator surfaces, which deteriorates heat exchange efficiency and poses sanitary concerns due to difficulty in removal within hermetically sealed spaces.
Innovation Solution
The heat pump module incorporates a housing design with a condensed water reservoir and guide, featuring a sloped bottom for easy drainage and a guide plate with filtering and barrier holes to prevent water from reaching the condenser, ensuring efficient removal of condensed water and maintaining heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a heat pump module is installed in a hermetically sealed drying apparatus, then drying efficiency is improved, but condensed water accumulates on the evaporator surface causing sanitation issues and heat exchange deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensed water removal function from the hermetically sealed heat pump module by incorporating a drainable reservoir and drainage system. The reservoir collects condensed water from the evaporator surface, and the drainage system removes it from the sealed space, thereby eliminating sanitation issues while preserving the hermetic seal for drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a condensed water reservoir as an intermediary component between the evaporator and the external environment. This reservoir acts as a buffer that collects and stores condensed water, preventing direct contact with the drying space and eliminating sanitation problems while maintaining the hermetic seal.
2Loss of energy
If condensed water is removed from the evaporator surface, then heat exchange efficiency is maintained, but the removal mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat pump module into distinct functional zones: an evaporator section for heat exchange, a condensed water reservoir for water collection, and a drainage system for water removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with others, maintaining heat exchange efficiency while providing a systematic approach to condensed water management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the condensed water reservoir with a sloped bottom that uses gravity to automatically drain condensed water without requiring additional pumps or complex mechanical systems. The drainage system self-regulates by allowing condensed water to flow naturally from the reservoir, reducing device complexity while maintaining heat exchange efficiency.
3Reliability
If a condensed water reservoir is added to the housing, then condensed water can be collected and removed, but the housing volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the condensed water reservoir within the existing housing structure by positioning it at the lower portion of the housing, utilizing otherwise wasted space. The reservoir is integrated into the housing design rather than added as a separate external component, thereby providing condensed water management functionality while minimizing impact on the overall housing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the condensed water reservoir in the vertical dimension at the lower portion of the housing, utilizing the height space rather than consuming horizontal volume. This dimensional arrangement allows condensed water collection and removal functionality while preserving the available housing volume for other components.
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 design effectively removes condensed water from the evaporator surface, preventing efficiency loss and sanitary issues, while ensuring the condenser remains free from contamination, thus enhancing the operational performance and hygiene of the heat pump module and drying apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator (1) provided in the housing (4) to condense air introduced into the housing (4)
Implementation Method 2
a condenser (2) provided in the housing (4) to heat the air which has passed through the evaporator (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump module and a drying apparatus having the same are provided. The heat pump module may include a housing, an evaporator provided in the housing that condenses humid air introduced into the housing via evaporation of a refrigerant, a condenser provided in the housing that heats the air having passed through the evaporator via condensation of the refrigerant, and at least one condensed water guide or remover provided in the housing that removes condensed water generated on a surface of the evaporator therefrom.