Heat Pump Dryer Expansion Valve Feedback for Heat Exchange Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of heat exchange in condensation type laundry treating apparatuses deteriorates as the temperature of the refrigerant consistently rises during the drying process, leading to a decrease in the temperature difference between the refrigerant and air, which reduces the effectiveness of the drying cycle.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a laundry treating apparatus that measures the temperatures of the refrigerant and air passing through the evaporator, compares the difference to a preset reference temperature, and adjusts the opening degree of the expansion valve to enhance heat exchange efficiency by increasing the superheat degree, thereby reducing energy consumption and drying time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the drying cycle progresses in a condensation type laundry treating apparatus, then the refrigerant temperature consistently rises, but the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates due to decreased temperature difference between refrigerant and air
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion valve opening degree is dynamically adjusted during the drying cycle based on real-time temperature measurements. As the refrigerant temperature rises, the controller decreases the expansion valve opening degree to increase superheat degree, maintaining optimal heat exchange efficiency throughout the cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously measuring refrigerant and air temperatures, comparing the temperature difference against a reference value, and adjusting the expansion valve opening degree accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the superheat degree remains within the optimal range to prevent heat exchange efficiency deterioration
2Loss of energy
If the expansion valve opening degree is decreased to increase superheat degree, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but the refrigerant flow rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the expansion valve opening degree parameter in response to changing operating conditions. By adjusting this parameter based on temperature measurements and superheat degree calculations, the system optimizes the balance between refrigerant flow rate and heat exchange efficiency at different stages of the drying cycle
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 control method improves heat exchange efficiency by adjusting the superheat degree of the expansion valve, reducing the time and energy required for the drying cycle, and maintaining effective heat exchange throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator fixed to the refrigerant pipe in the duct and configured to vaporize the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air
Implementation Method 2
vaporize the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air
Implementation Method 3
a condenser fixed to the refrigerant pipe in the duct and configured to condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air having passed the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air
Implementation Method 5
a compressor fixed in the refrigerant pipe and configured to compress the refrigerant having passed the evaporator
Implementation Method 6
an expansion valve configured to control the opening and closing of the refrigerant pipe provided between the condenser and the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a control method for laundry treating apparatus configured to perform a dry cycle for clothes by operating a heat pump comprising: a measuring step for measuring a temperature of a refrigerant and a temperature of air which pass through an evaporator to exchange heat; a comparing step for comparing a difference between the measured temperatures of the refrigerant and air with a preset reference temperature; and an adjusting step for adjusting an opening degree of the expansion valve according to the result of the comparing step.