Heat Pump Washer Air Deflection for Room Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with heat pump systems do not effectively address humidity issues in small rooms during the drying process, leading to increased air humidity and prolonged drying times, as they are not designed to function as dehumidifiers after the washing cycle is completed.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a heat pump system that includes a simple air deflector to direct room air flow through an evaporator and condenser, allowing for simultaneous washing and dehumidification, and a user-selectable dehumidification cycle to enhance drying speed after the wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat pump system is used for heating water during washing, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system cannot effectively dehumidify the room air after washing
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: water heating during washing and air dehumidification after washing. The air circulation system can operate in two modes: during washing, air flows over the condenser to be heated; after washing, the deflector redirects air flow to pass over the evaporator for dehumidification. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same system adaptable to different operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes its operational mode based on the washing cycle stage. The air deflector mechanism allows the air flow path to be dynamically redirected: during washing, air is directed towards the condenser for heating; after washing, the deflector redirects air towards the evaporator for dehumidification. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to switch between heating and dehumidification functions using the same heat pump components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the heat pump system is used for dehumidification during washing, then air humidity is reduced, but the water heating efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is segmented into different flow paths controlled by the air deflector. During washing, the deflector directs air flow specifically towards the condenser for water heating, separating the heating function from potential dehumidification. After washing, the deflector redirects air flow towards the evaporator for dehumidification. This segmentation ensures that during washing, the system prioritizes water heating efficiency while avoiding unnecessary dehumidification that would consume additional energy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate dehumidifier is used in the room, then air humidity is effectively reduced, but device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine integrates a dehumidification function into its existing heat pump system, merging two appliances (washing machine and dehumidifier) into one. The air circulation system and heat pump components of the washing machine are utilized for dehumidification after washing, eliminating the need for a separate dehumidifier device. This merging reduces device complexity and saves installation space while maintaining effective dehumidification capability.
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 reduces air humidity during the washing program, enabling faster drying of clothes and combining the functions of a washing machine and dehumidifier in a single appliance, reducing space and cost, and automatically controlling humidity for efficient drying.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator (18) in heat exchange relationship with air flow
Implementation Method 2
a condenser (14) in heat exchange relationship with said water
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump system (HP) for heating water to be fed to the drum (D) in a washing program
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine comprises a drum and a heat pump system for heating water to be fed to the drum in a washing program. The heat pump system has an evaporator in heat exchange relationship with a room air flow and a condenser in heat exchange relationship with water to be heated, an air deflector being configured to divert said room air flow downstream the evaporator away from the condenser in a water heating configuration and to convey said air towards the condenser in a room air dehumidifying configuration of the washing machine.