Liquid-Cooled Condenser for Laundry Dryer Air Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances with air recirculation circuits face inefficiencies in moisture removal and drying performance due to limitations in condenser design, leading to suboptimal condensing capacity and extraction rates.
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 recirculation circuit and the fins, enhancing condensing performance by promoting heat extraction and dissipation through both liquid cooling and increased surface area.
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 and extraction rate are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid cooling dimension by adding a liquid flow passage through which coolant flows to remove condensation heat. This dual-dimensional approach (air flow for moisture removal + liquid flow for heat extraction) significantly enhances condensing capacity beyond conventional single-dimension air-cooled condensers
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser is segmented into multiple functional components: condensation surfaces where moisture condenses, liquid flow passages for coolant circulation, and heat dissipation structures. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, improving overall condensing efficiency
2Productivity
If the condenser surface area is increased to improve condensing capacity, then the extraction rate increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic cooling by circulating liquid through internal flow passages within the condenser structure. This allows efficient heat removal from large condensation surfaces without requiring proportionally large external structures, as the liquid cooling system can handle high heat loads in a compact manner
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid flow passages are nested within the condenser structure itself, with coolant channels integrated into the condensation surfaces. This nested configuration allows the cooling system to be embedded within the existing structure rather than adding separate external cooling components, reducing overall space requirements
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 improves the condensing capacity and extraction rate of the laundry treating appliance, potentially increasing water extraction by up to 70% compared to conventional systems, achieving better drying efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid flow passage provided in the space between the air recirculation circuit and the plurality of fins
Implementation Method 2
the moisture-laden process air can pass through a condenser to remove the moisture from the process air
Implementation Method 3
a liquid-cooled condenser comprising a plurality of fins spaced from the air recirculation circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance for treating laundry according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a cabinet defining a cabinet interior. A container is rotatable within the cabinet interior, and at least partially defines a treating chamber. The treating chamber has a treating chamber air inlet and a treating chamber air outlet. An air recirculation circuit fluidly couples the treating chamber air outlet to the treating chamber air inlet. The laundry treating appliance includes a condenser.