Tumble Dryer Heat Pump Compressor Placement for Waste Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumble dryers with heat pumps face limitations in further improving energy efficiency due to wasted heat dissipation from the compressor and motor, and inefficient space utilization within the housing.
Innovation Solution
The compressor is positioned in the airflow between the evaporator and condenser, allowing heat dissipation to pre-heat the air and facilitate efficient cooling, with the heat pump components arranged as a removable unit and enclosed in an insulating shell to optimize space and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the compressor is positioned outside the airflow path, then the compressor can be cooled by ambient air, but the heat dissipated by the compressor is wasted and does not contribute to heating the process air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the compressor within the process air flow path between the evaporator and condenser, converting the previously wasted heat dissipation from the compressor and motor into useful pre-heating of the cold process air leaving the evaporator. This transforms a harmful energy loss into a beneficial thermal contribution, improving overall energy efficiency while eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If the heat pump components are integrated into a fixed unit, then the design is compact, but the unit cannot be easily replaced or maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tumble dryer into distinct functional modules: a fixed housing structure and a separable heat pump unit. The heat pump unit containing the compressor, evaporator, and condenser can be removed as a complete assembly from the housing, enabling easy replacement and maintenance while maintaining a compact integrated design during operation.
3Reliability
If more cooling is provided for the compressor, then the compressor can operate at higher temperatures, but additional energy is consumed and the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the compressor and motor to self-cool by positioning them within the process air flow path. The moving process air naturally passes over the compressor and motor, providing forced cooling without requiring separate cooling systems, fans, or additional energy consumption. The system uses its own operational airflow to cool its components.
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 enhances energy efficiency by utilizing waste heat and reducing the need for additional cooling, while allowing for a more compact and cost-effective design with improved forced cooling of the compressor and motor.
Implementation Method 1
heat dissipated by the compressor and the motor driving the compressor will contribute with heating the relatively cold process air leaving the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
heat dissipated by the compressor and the motor driving the compressor will contribute with heating the relatively cold process air leaving the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
accomplishes efficient forced cooling of the compressor and the associated motor
Implementation Method 4
an evaporator for condensing water from the process air
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tumble dryer (1) with a rotatable drum (11) and a heat pump for drying process air that enters the drum, the heat pump comprising a condenser (19), a compressor (17), and an evaporator (15). In order to improve energy efficiency, the compressor (17) is located in the flow (21) of process air, between the evaporator (15) and the condenser (19). Thereby, heat dissipated from the compressor is used to pre-heat the process air flow before entering the condenser (19).