Heat Pump Dryer Control for Low-Temperature Drying Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses using heat pumps face performance inconsistencies due to non-uniform air temperatures, leading to increased drying times and difficulty in achieving desired dryness levels, especially in low-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A control method that adjusts the output of the heat pump and fan based on the temperature of the installation environment, using a temperature sensing unit to switch between different control procedures to optimize drying performance, including varying compressor RPM and expansion valve opening to maximize heat exchange and minimize drying time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat pump operates under low-temperature conditions, then the air temperature supplied to laundry is difficult to raise to desired level, but increasing heat pump output increases drying time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heat pump output adjustable based on ambient temperature conditions. The control unit dynamically changes the heat pump output according to the measured ambient temperature, allowing the system to adapt its heating capacity to match environmental conditions and maintain effective drying performance across varying temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat pump based on ambient temperature. When ambient temperature is low, the system adjusts the heat pump output parameter to an appropriate level, ensuring sufficient heating capacity. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between achieving desired air temperature and controlling drying time.
2Productivity
If the heat pump output is increased to raise air temperature quickly, then drying performance improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy consumption by dynamically adjusting the heat pump output parameter based on ambient temperature conditions. The control unit calculates the appropriate output level that achieves desired drying performance while minimizing energy waste, resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy efficiency through intelligent parameter management.
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 method ensures consistent and efficient drying performance by adapting to low-temperature conditions, reducing drying time and ensuring laundry reaches the target dryness level, thereby minimizing performance degradation.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator disposed in the duct and configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and air introduced into the duct so as to evaporate the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser disposed in the duct and configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and air passing around the evaporator so as to condense the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator and to supply the compressed refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed which includes a course setting procedure receiving a control command including RPM control data of an impeller, RPM control data of a compressor or opening degree control data of an expansion valve, a hot air supply procedure for supplying heated air to a drum through control of the impeller, compressor and expansion valve, a temperature measurement procedure measuring temperature of air introduced into the drum during execution of the hot air supply procedure, a first control procedure for controlling the impeller, compressor and expansion valve based on the control command when the measured temperature is equal to or higher than a reference temperature, and a second control procedure controlling the impeller, compressor and expansion valve based on a control command different from the control command set in the course setting procedure when the measured temperature is lower than the reference temperature.