Lint filter clogging detection in a dryer appliance using compressor temperature and referigerant mass flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dryer appliances lack effective detection methods for lint filter clogging, leading to increased pressure drop, reduced air flow, and decreased energy efficiency, as well as potential overheating of the compressor and laundry room.
Innovation Solution
A method and appliance that monitor the compressor temperature response and refrigerant mass flow rate during a drying cycle, determining when the refrigerant mass flow rate falls below a threshold, and initiate corrective actions such as user notifications or automated cleaning to address filter clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lint filter is not cleaned regularly, then drying capacity is maintained, but pressure drop increases and air flow decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors compressor temperature and refrigerant mass flow rate to detect filter clogging conditions. When the filter becomes clogged, the compressor temperature increases and refrigerant mass flow rate decreases. The control system uses this feedback to detect clogging and trigger cleaning operations or user notifications, maintaining energy efficiency while preserving drying capacity.
2Reliability
If lint filter accumulates lint, then filtration function is maintained, but compressor overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors compressor temperature and refrigerant mass flow rate to detect filter clogging conditions. When the filter becomes clogged, the compressor temperature increases and refrigerant mass flow rate decreases. The control system uses this feedback to detect clogging and trigger cleaning operations or user notifications, maintaining energy efficiency while preserving drying capacity.
3Device complexity
If conventional temperature measurement methods are used, then simple detection is achieved, but sensitivity to gradual filter clogging is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly measuring filter clogging, the system uses compressor temperature and refrigerant mass flow rate as intermediary parameters. These parameters change in response to filter clogging and provide sensitive, indirect measurement of the filter condition, enabling early detection while keeping the detection system relatively simple.
4Stress or pressure
If air flow is reduced due to filter clogging, then pressure drop decreases, but drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors compressor temperature and refrigerant mass flow rate to detect filter clogging conditions. When the filter becomes clogged, the compressor temperature increases and refrigerant mass flow rate decreases. The control system uses this feedback to detect clogging and trigger cleaning operations or user notifications, maintaining energy efficiency while preserving drying capacity.
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 enables timely detection and remediation of lint filter clogging, maintaining efficient air flow, reducing drying times, and preventing overheating, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and appliance performance.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant circuit operable to cool the air that has passed through the drum
Implementation Method 2
the air may be recirculated after being cooled, which causes the water vapor present to condense
Implementation Method 3
a compressor and refrigerant circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance uses a determination of a frequency of compressor temperature response, refrigerant mass flow rate, or both to determine accumulation of lint in a filter. Based on the determination, various corrective actions can be taken including notifying the user, shutting off the appliance, initiating an automatic cleaning sequence for one or more lint filters, and combinations thereof.