Heat Pump Dryer Control with Variable Compressor and Fan Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers and washers/dryers lack flexibility in laundry treatment cycles, particularly in drying modes, which limits user options for optimizing drying performance and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A laundry drying appliance equipped with a heat pump system and a variable-output compressor, along with a variable-speed fan, allows for multiple drying modes (Quick Dry, Eco Dry, Silent Dry) that can be selected by the user, enabling adjustments in compressor power consumption and fan speed to optimize drying performance and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heat pump system with fixed compressor output is used, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility in drying modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor output variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the compressor's refrigerant mass flow rate based on operating conditions and selected drying mode, enabling the system to adapt between different drying modes (energy-saving mode with lower output and standard mode with higher output) while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If the compressor operates at high power consumption for faster drying, then the drying speed increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the compressor's operating parameters (refrigerant mass flow rate, suction pressure, discharge pressure) based on the selected drying mode. In energy-saving mode, the compressor operates at lower power consumption with adjusted parameters that still achieve effective drying, while in standard mode, higher power consumption parameters are used for faster drying, allowing users to trade off between drying speed and energy consumption.
3Productivity
If the fan operates at high speed for better air circulation, then the drying performance improves, but the noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the fan's rotational speed as a controllable parameter. In energy-saving mode, the fan operates at lower speed reducing noise, while in standard mode, higher fan speed provides better air circulation and drying performance. The control system coordinates fan speed adjustments with compressor output changes to maintain optimal drying conditions across different modes.
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 appliance provides enhanced flexibility in laundry drying cycles, allowing for faster drying options with higher energy consumption, balanced performance and energy efficiency, and quieter operation, catering to various user preferences while maintaining effective drying performance.
Implementation Method 1
the drying air flow is caused to pass through a moisture condensing system, where the humid, moisture-laden air is at least partially dehydrated, dried
Implementation Method 2
the dried air flow is heated up by means of a heating arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance for drying laundry includes a drying-air moisture-condensing system including a heat pump system with a variable-output compressor, and at least one drying air variable-speed fan for promoting the recirculation of the drying air. The appliance is adapted to perform at least one laundry drying cycle in: at least a first drying mode wherein the compressor is driven to a first compressor mode having a compressor power consumption course and/or a compressor rotational speed course and/or a frequency course of the supply current/voltage of the compressor motor and the fan is driven to a first fan mode having a speed course, and at least a second drying mode wherein the compressor is driven to a second compressor mode comprising a compressor power consumption course and/or a compressor rotational speed course and/or a frequency course of the supply current/voltage of the compressor motor and the fan is driven to a second fan mode having a speed course. For at least a portion of the drying cycle, a compressor power consumption and/or a compressor rotational speed and/or a frequency of the supply current/voltage of the compressor of the second compressor mode is/are higher than the one/s of the first compressor mode and the speed of the second fan mode is higher than the speed of the first fan mode.