Method for carrying out a hygiene program in a dryer comprising a heat pump, and dryer which is suitable for this purpose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump dryers face challenges in achieving a high enough temperature for effective germ killing without excessive energy consumption, as the heat pump struggles at high temperatures required for disinfection, leading to inefficient energy use and prolonged drying times.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves monitoring moisture levels in laundry using sensors to adjust fan speed and compressor power consumption, increasing power consumption and reducing fan speed to maintain a temperature of at least 65°C, preferably 70°C, for efficient germ killing, while minimizing energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat pump operates at high temperatures required for disinfection (at least 65°C, preferably 70°C), then germ killing effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor power consumption variable rather than fixed. The control unit continuously adjusts the compressor's power consumption based on real-time monitoring of process air temperature and humidity, allowing the heat pump to operate at high temperatures for germ killing only when necessary and at reduced power when lower temperatures suffice, thereby resolving the contradiction between disinfection effectiveness and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat pump dynamically. By monitoring moisture content in the laundry and adjusting compressor power consumption accordingly, the system adapts the temperature and power parameters to match the actual drying needs, enabling high-temperature operation for hygiene purposes only when required while minimizing energy consumption during normal drying phases
2Reliability
If the heat pump maintains high temperature for extended periods to ensure thorough disinfection, then hygiene effectiveness is improved, but drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring process air temperature, humidity, and moisture content in the laundry. The control unit uses this feedback information to determine when high-temperature operation is necessary for hygiene purposes and when it can be reduced or stopped, ensuring thorough disinfection only when needed while minimizing unnecessary extended heating that would increase drying time
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature maintenance duration based on real-time conditions. Rather than maintaining high temperature for a fixed extended period, the control unit continuously evaluates whether the hygiene target is being met and adjusts the heating duration accordingly, resolving the contradiction between hygiene effectiveness and drying time
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump operates at reduced power consumption during normal drying, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature rise is too slow to achieve hygienic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the compressor power consumption to vary between low and high states based on operational phase. During normal drying, the system operates at reduced power for energy efficiency. When hygiene disinfection is required, the control unit automatically increases power consumption to achieve rapid temperature rise, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency during normal operation and the need for rapid heating when hygiene effect is required
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 allows for rapid heating to achieve effective germ killing while reducing energy consumption and shortening drying times, ensuring efficient hygiene programs without extending the drying process.
Implementation Method 1
The heat pump can be used to extract heat from the process air flowing out of the moist objects, which acts on a corresponding heat sink, and to lead this heat to a heat source by means of a suitable pump device
Implementation Method 2
the warm, moisture-laden process air is essentially cooled in an evaporator of the heat pump that functions as a heat sink
Implementation Method 3
The evaporated refrigerant reaches the compressor (also known as 'compressor') and is compressed there. The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (also referred to as 'heat pump circuit' herein) is driven by the compressor
Implementation Method 4
The evaporated refrigerant reaches the compressor (also known as 'compressor') and is compressed there
Implementation Method 5
From the compressor, it reaches the condenser, where it is liquefied with the release of heat The released heat heats the process air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for carrying out a hygiene program in a dryer 1 comprising a drum 2 for items of laundry which are to be dried, a process-air circuit 3 in which a fan 12 for conveying process air is arranged, a control unit 4, a heat pump 8, 9, 10, 11 comprising an evaporator 8, a condenser 9, a throttle 10 and a compressor 11, and at least one sensor 5, 6, 22, 23, wherein the reduction in the moisture level FW in the items of laundry is monitored by means of the sensor 5, 6, 22, 23 and a rotation speed u of the fan 12 is reduced and/or a power consumption p by a variable-power compressor 11 is increased when a prespecified lower moisture level FW lowlim is reached. The invention also relates to a dryer 1 which is suitable for carrying out said method.