Laundry treating appliance having a condenser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating appliances with air recirculation circuits face inefficiencies in moisture removal during drying cycles, as existing condensers lack effective condensing capacity, leading to suboptimal drying performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-cooled condenser with a set of fins is integrated into the air recirculation circuit, where a liquid flow passage is provided between the air flow passage and the fins, enhancing condensing efficiency by using cold water and ambient air for heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional condenser is used in the air recirculation circuit, then the structure is simple, but the condensing capacity is insufficient leading to suboptimal drying performance
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is segmented into multiple functional zones: an air flow passage for moisture-laden air, a liquid flow passage for cold water circulation, and a fin array for heat dissipation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, collectively achieving high condensing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges three separate heat transfer mechanisms into a single integrated condenser unit: convective heat transfer from air flow, conductive heat transfer through the liquid-cooled walls, and radiative/convective heat dissipation through the fins. This combination achieves superior condensing capacity that none of the individual mechanisms could achieve alone
2Productivity
If the condenser uses only air cooling, then the structure is simple, but the condensing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic cooling by circulating liquid (cold water) through the liquid flow passage that runs through the center of the condenser. This liquid circulation provides efficient heat removal from the condensing surfaces, significantly enhancing condensing efficiency compared to air cooling alone
3Productivity
If the condenser processes more moisture-laden air, then the water extraction rate increases, but the heat dissipation requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to heat dissipation by incorporating external fins that extend perpendicular to the air flow passage. This three-dimensional fin structure dramatically increases the heat dissipation surface area, allowing the condenser to handle higher moisture extraction rates without excessive temperature rise
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 configuration significantly improves the condensing capacity, increasing the water extraction rate by up to 70% compared to conventional systems, resulting in more efficient drying cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid flow passage provided in the space between the air flow passage and the plurality of fins
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of fins spaced from the air flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-cooled condenser for use within a laundry treating appliance for treating laundry according to an automatic cycle of operation includes an air flow passage. The air flow passage is fluidly coupled with an air recirculation circuit. A plurality of fins is spaced from the air flow passage. The liquid-cooled condenser also includes a liquid flow passage.