A laundry dryer with a heat pump system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat pump laundry dryers face limitations in adapting lamination work at the expansion means to varying compressor speeds and refrigerant conditions, leading to inefficiencies and reduced performance, especially when transitioning from warm-up to steady state phases.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating at least two capillary tubes with switchable valves, allowing for adjustable lamination work based on compressor speed, refrigerant pressure, and temperature, enabling flexible operation during different phases of the drying cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the rotational speed of the compressor is increased to increase the mass flow rate of the refrigerant, then the drying time is shortened, but the capillary tube creates excessive pressure drop that decreases refrigerant density and prevents the expected mass flow rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidcompressor input power
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the expansion means adjustable rather than fixed. The expansion means can be dynamically adapted to match different compressor rotational speeds, allowing the system to optimize refrigerant flow conditions for each operating state. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the expansion means to provide appropriate pressure drop at each speed, maintaining refrigerant density and mass flow rate increase even at high compressor speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the geometric properties of the expansion means (such as opening area, passage cross-section, or length) to match different operating conditions. By changing these geometric parameters according to compressor speed, the system optimizes the pressure drop characteristics to maintain efficient refrigerant flow and density across different operating states, preventing energy loss while achieving faster drying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed capillary tube is used for lamination work, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lamination work cannot be adapted to varying pressure and refrigerant flow rate conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to pressure and flow rate conditionsVSAvoidexpansion means structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static capillary tube into a dynamic expansion means that can adjust its characteristics based on operating conditions. This is achieved through mechanisms such as variable opening valves, adjustable passage cross-sections, or movable components that modify the expansion geometry in response to pressure and flow rate changes, thereby providing adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the expansion means to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a pressure reduction device and a flow control element that adapts to different operating conditions. By integrating these functions into a single adjustable component rather than separate fixed elements, the system achieves versatility while managing device complexity efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the expansion means is optimized for lower compressor rotational speed, then it provides appropriate lamination work at low speed, but it creates excessive pressure drop at higher rotational speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance at low speedVSAvoidperformance at high speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the expansion means to change its characteristics in response to compressor speed variations. At low speeds, the expansion means maintains optimized lamination work for reliable operation, while at high speeds, it automatically adjusts to reduce pressure drop and maintain performance. This dynamic adaptation ensures both low-speed reliability and high-speed productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes to adjust the geometric properties of the expansion means based on compressor operating speed. By varying parameters such as opening area, passage dimensions, or length according to speed conditions, the system maintains optimal pressure drop characteristics across the full operating range, ensuring reliable low-speed performance and high-speed productivity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances the heat pump system's performance by optimizing lamination work according to changing conditions, improving energy efficiency and reducing drying time, while maintaining energy savings and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the capillary tube will create a pressure drop to the refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure drop: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

the expansion means comprises at least two capillary tubes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

cooled down and dehumidified in an evaporator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 4

heated up in a condenser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat release: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 5

The refrigerant instead is compressed by a compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2586905B1A laundry dryer with a heat pump system
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP2586905B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2586905B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2586905B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laundry dryer with a heat pump system, said heat pump system comprises a refrigerant circuit (10) for a refrigerant and an air stream circuit (12) for an air stream. The refrigerant circuit (10) includes a compressor (14), a first heat exchanger (16), expansion means (18) and a second heat exchanger (20) connected in series and forming a closed loop. The air stream circuit (12) includes the first heat exchanger (16), the second heat exchanger (20), a laundry drum (22) and at least one air stream fan (24) connected in series and forming a closed loop. The refrigerant circuit (10) and the air stream circuit (12) are thermally coupled by the first heat exchanger (16) and the second heat exchanger (20). The first heat exchanger (16) is provided for heating up the air stream and cooling down the refrigerant. The second heat exchanger (20) is provided for cooling down the air stream and heating up the refrigerant. The expansion means (18) comprises at least two capillary tubes (28, 30), wherein at least one of said capillary tubes (28, 30) is switched or switchable by at least one valve (26; 32, 34; 36), so that the lamination work at said expansion means (18) is adjustable.