Modular Heat Pump Layout for Serviceable Washer Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial tumble dryers with heat pumps face challenges in maintenance accessibility and space efficiency, as well as issues with waste heat management and noise transmission from the heat pump components.
Innovation Solution
A modular heat pump design where the heat pump device is coupled as a separate functional module to the side wall of the tumble dryer housing, allowing for easy access and maintenance, with a compact and sealed air duct system that minimizes additional installation space and noise, and incorporates self-cleaning mechanisms for reduced maintenance intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the heat pump device is integrated into the tumble dryer housing, then the dryer can efficiently utilize waste heat and cooling, but maintenance accessibility becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump device is segmented from the main tumble dryer housing and implemented as a separate, detachable functional module. This module can be easily coupled to and decoupled from the dryer housing, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service the heat pump components without dismantling the entire dryer. The segmentation maintains energy efficiency during operation while enabling quick maintenance access.
2Volume of stationary object
If the heat pump components are housed within the dryer, then the system is compact, but maintenance requires dismantling the entire dryer
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump is divided into a separate functional module that attaches to the dryer housing. This module contains all necessary heat pump components (evaporator, condenser, compressor, throttle) in a compact configuration that minimizes installation space while allowing the entire module to be removed and serviced as a single unit without dismantling the dryer.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump device is extracted from the interior of the dryer housing and placed in a separate functional module that couples to the exterior or side of the housing. This extraction allows the module to be easily detached for maintenance while still occupying minimal space when attached to the dryer.
3Reliability
If the compressor is enclosed in a capsule housing to prevent refrigerant leakage, then refrigerant tightness is improved, but waste heat accumulates and must be actively cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function for the compressor is merged with the heat pump's evaporator. The evaporator serves dual purposes: cooling the process air and removing waste heat from the compressor. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling fans or cooling fins, reducing energy loss while maintaining refrigerant tightness through the capsule housing.
4Loss of energy
If cooling fans are used to cool the compressor, then waste heat is removed, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor cooling function is merged with the heat pump evaporator's air cooling function. The same air stream that cools the evaporator also removes waste heat from the compressor through thermally coupled surfaces. This eliminates the need for separate cooling fans, control systems, and additional space, reducing overall system complexity while effectively removing waste heat.
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 design provides quick and reliable maintenance, reduces noise, and minimizes space requirements while ensuring efficient waste heat management, enhancing overall operational efficiency and user accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump device with a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates in a line system with an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and a throttle, the heat exchanger having the evaporator and the heater contains the condenser of the heat pump device
Implementation Method 2
dehumidified in a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
the heat exchanger having the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
process air is supplied by means of a process air fan via an air inlet to the drum
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The clothes dryer (1) has housing (2) with a motor (10) for driving a rotatably mounted drum (3). A closed circuit has a process air blower (9) that supplies process air (PL) through an air inlet (6) of drum and supplies the process air via an air outlet (7) to a heat exchanger (15). The air from heat exchanger is supplied to a heater (16). The heat pump unit (5) is equipped with a refrigerant circuit that circulates refrigerant to heat exchanger, a compressor (14), and heater. The heat pump unit is coupled as a separate functional module on the side wall of housing.