Multifunctional storage system including heat pump unit having moisture supply unit and method of preheating using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunctional storage systems face decreased drying efficiency due to reduced moisture levels, which decrease the condensation loads of evaporators and condensers, leading to lower air temperatures and inefficient drying and humidification.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional storage system with a heat pump unit and a moisture supply unit that includes a humidification filter, moisture supply vessel, and pump to increase moisture in circulating air, thereby enhancing the loads on the evaporator and condenser, and a method to preheat the system by measuring compressor current to optimize moisture supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If moisture levels in circulating air are decreased during drying operation, then the drying operation can proceed, but the condensation loads of evaporator and condenser are decreased leading to lower air temperatures and deteriorated drying efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary humidification by supplying water to the humidification filter before the drying operation begins. This pre-establishes adequate moisture levels in the circulating air, ensuring that when the drying operation starts, the evaporator and condenser maintain sufficient condensation loads to operate at optimal temperatures for efficient drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the moisture level parameter in the circulating air by controlling water supply to the humidification filter. By monitoring and adjusting this parameter, the system maintains optimal moisture levels that enable the heat pump components to operate at peak efficiency while performing the drying function.
2Productivity
If a humidification filter is added to the heat pump unit to increase moisture in circulating air, then the loads of evaporator and condenser are increased improving temperature and drying efficiency, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The humidification filter serves multiple functions: it acts as both a filtration component for the air circulation system and a humidification device that supplies moisture to the air. By combining these two functions into a single component, the system improves drying efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes water that would otherwise be waste or excess moisture and converts it into a useful resource for humidification. The moisture supply unit recycles available water resources to maintain optimal humidity levels, reducing the need for additional external water supply systems and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Productivity
If moisture is continuously supplied to increase condensation loads, then the temperature of air passing through heat pump is increased improving drying efficiency, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous moisture supply, the system employs periodic or conditional water supply to the humidification filter. Moisture is supplied based on detected needs or operational phases, such as during preheating or when moisture levels drop below thresholds. This periodic action maintains adequate condensation loads and air temperatures while significantly reducing unnecessary energy consumption associated with continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring of moisture levels and operational parameters to provide feedback control of the humidification process. By detecting actual conditions in real-time and adjusting moisture supply accordingly, the system maintains optimal condensation loads and energy efficiency, avoiding both over-humidification (waste of energy) and under-humidification (reduced drying efficiency).
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
The system effectively increases the temperature of air passing through the heat pump, enhancing drying and humidification efficiency by increasing the loads on the evaporator and condenser, and maintaining optimal moisture levels.
Implementation Method 1
the moisture in the air is condensed by an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
the air is heated by a condenser and is supplied again to the compartment
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump unit 110 located in the machine chamber 100 and including an evaporator 112, a condenser 114, a compressor 116
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multifunctional storage system including a machine chamber and a compartment, in which clothes are received, the multifunctional storage system including: a heat pump unit located in the machine chamber and including an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and a pressure controller; a moisture supply unit coupled to the heat pump unit and including a humidification filter; and a fan unit configured to circulate air in the machine chamber from the evaporator toward the condenser, wherein the moisture supply unit is coupled to a front end of the evaporator with reference to a circulation direction of the air, and wherein moisture is supplied to the humidification filter according to a preset condition, and loads of the evaporator and the condenser are increased as the moisture is supplied to the air when the air passes through the humidification filter.