Heat Pump Dryer Airflow Layout for Shorter Air Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laundry drying devices with heat pumps face energy inefficiencies due to long air paths from the tub to the heat exchangers, leading to pre-condensation of warm and humid air, reduced pump capacity, and heat losses, which are exacerbated by limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
A compact design where the evaporator is positioned between the laundry drum and the rear wall, and the condenser is placed above the drum, with a process air flow from bottom to top through the evaporator, and a process air fan is laterally offset between the evaporator and condenser, along with thermal insulation of the drum housing, to minimize energy losses and enhance condensation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the evaporator and condenser are arranged in a compact unit on the base plate, then the installation space is optimized, but the air paths become very long causing pre-condensation and heat losses
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is positioned vertically above the drum rather than horizontally on the base plate, utilizing the vertical dimension to shorten the air path from the drum to the heat exchanger while maintaining compact overall dimensions of the appliance
2Ease of manufacture
If the evaporator is positioned far from the drum, then installation is simplified, but pre-condensation occurs reducing pump capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is mounted vertically above the drum using the vertical space, achieving close proximity to the drum for efficient condensation while allowing independent positioning that simplifies installation and maintenance access
3Ease of manufacture
If the condenser is positioned far from the drum, then component placement is easier, but heat losses occur in the air path
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is positioned vertically above the drum in close proximity, utilizing the vertical dimension to minimize the air path length and associated heat losses while maintaining ease of component placement and access
4Volume of moving object
If the evaporator is arranged horizontally, then installation space is optimized, but washing suds reach the heat exchanger causing fluffing of fins
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is positioned vertically above the normal level of washing suds during washing, using the vertical dimension to place the heat exchanger out of reach of suds and prevent fluffing of the aluminum fins
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 reduces energy consumption by shortening air paths, improving condensation efficiency, and minimizing heat losses, thereby enhancing the energy balance and reducing the fluffing of heat exchanger fins.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, between the laundry drum and a rear wall... the spatial proximity of the evaporator to the air outlet from the drum (air intake opening) leads to improved condensation in the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
Only the phase transition in the evaporator leads to recovery
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump with at least one evaporator, one condenser, one compressor and one throttle
Implementation Method 4
specifically by the thermal insulation improved as a result... providing insulation (e.g. a layer of insulating material) for the laundry drum or the drum housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heat pump laundry drying device, having a rotatable laundry drum and a heat pump comprising at least one compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and a governor, wherein the evaporator is at least partially disposed between the laundry drum and a back wall, and the condenser is at least partially disposed above the laundry drum.