Zeolite Sorption Column for Closed-Loop Dishwasher Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face high energy requirements for heating rinsing liquid and drying, leading to inefficient energy usage and potential damage to surrounding kitchen furniture due to vented moist air.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a sorption column with reversibly dehydratable material, such as zeolite, that uses thermal energy from desorption to heat the rinsing solution and air, reducing the need for additional heating and enhancing drying efficiency through air recirculation and heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical heaters are used to heat the rinsing liquid, then the cleaning effect is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and drying function into a single integrated system. The heating element heats both the rinsing liquid and the air in the washing container simultaneously, and the same heated air is then used for drying the crockery. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate heating and drying energy inputs, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective cleaning and drying performance.
2Productivity
If the rinsing liquid is heated to high temperature for own-heat drying, then the drying efficiency is improved, but the energy requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heated air serves multiple functions simultaneously: it heats the rinsing liquid for effective cleaning, provides the thermal energy for own-heat drying of the crockery, and maintains the temperature in the washing container throughout the cycle. This multi-functionality of the heated air reduces the need for additional heating energy while achieving efficient drying results.
3Ease of operation
If moist air is vented outwards during drying, then the drying process is simplified, but the surrounding kitchen furniture is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful moist air that would otherwise damage kitchen furniture into a useful resource. The moist air extracted from the washing container during drying is directed through a heat exchanger where it pre-heats the incoming air and condenses its moisture content. This converts the harmful humid exhaust into a pre-heated, partially dehumidified air stream that can be reused in the washing container, eliminating damage to surrounding furniture while maintaining drying effectiveness.
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 significantly reduces energy consumption, improves drying efficiency, and minimizes damage to kitchen furniture by utilizing thermal energy for both heating and drying processes within a closed air system.
Implementation Method 1
a sorption column 10 containing reversibly dehydratable material 11
Implementation Method 2
the thermal energy used for desorption of the sorption column is used at least partly for heating the rinsing solution
Implementation Method 3
the thermal energy used for desorption of the sorption column is used at least partly for heating the rinsing solution in the washing container and/or the crockery
Implementation Method 4
for desorption of the reversibly dehydratable material 11 an electric heating element 12 is arranged in the sorption column 10
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher is provided that permits the efficient and economical cleaning and drying of the items to be washed in the washing container, whilst reducing the associated energy consumption. To achieve this, in addition to the washing container, the inventive dishwasher also comprises a sorption column, which is connected to the washing container to form an air-conductive link and contains a material that can be reversibly dehydrated, said sorption column being used at least partially to dry the washed items. The thermal energy that is applied in the desorption of the sorption column is used at least partially to heat the rinsing water and/or the washed items in the washing container.