Laundry appliance having a thermal storage mechanism for capturing excess heat from one or more heat sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances often waste excess thermal energy, which could be utilized for subsequent cycles, due to inefficiencies in heat management and storage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a phase change material within the thermal storage mechanism to capture and store excess heat from heat sources like condensers and heaters, allowing this stored energy to be reused during subsequent laundry cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a phase change material is added to capture and store excess heat, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transition of phase change material (PCM) to store and release thermal energy. The PCM undergoes phase change from solid to liquid during heat capture and from liquid to solid during heat release, enabling efficient thermal energy storage without additional complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material acts as an intermediary between the heat source (heating assembly/condenser) and the process air. It absorbs excess heat that would otherwise be wasted and releases it during subsequent cycles, mediating thermal energy transfer and reducing direct thermal management complexity
2Productivity
If thermal energy is captured and stored for subsequent cycles, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing thermal energy during the current drying cycle using the phase change material. This stored energy is then utilized in subsequent cycles, effectively preparing thermal resources in advance to accelerate future drying operations without requiring larger heating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material's ability to store and release large amounts of thermal energy during phase transitions enables faster drying cycles. The PCM releases stored heat quickly during subsequent cycles, improving productivity without requiring proportionally larger heating components
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 approach enhances energy efficiency by allowing the appliance to utilize captured heat for quick-dry cycles and start-up functions, reducing drying time and the need for larger heating elements, while preventing thermal energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
A phase change material retains heat from the condenser that is directed away from the process air to define captured heat
Implementation Method 2
a thermal storage mechanism, such as a phase change material, for capturing and retaining excess thermal energy for later use
Implementation Method 3
The evaporator dehumidifies the process air that is delivered from the drum
Implementation Method 4
the condenser heats the process air that is delivered from the evaporator
Implementation Method 5
a blower that directs process air through an airflow path
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a blower that directs process air through an airflow path. A rotating drum holds articles to be processed. A heat pump system has a condenser and an evaporator. The evaporator dehumidifies the process air that is delivered from the drum and the condenser heats the process air that is delivered from the evaporator. A phase change material retains heat from the condenser that is directed away from the process air, and the captured heat of the phase change material is utilized during a subsequent laundry cycle.