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Efficiency Improvement of Residential Textile Drying Apparatuses
Project Focus:
Current drying technology is very costly (consuming ~ 5-6% of total household electrical energy) and energy efficient designs are in high demand, especially in the EU. The focus of this project is to better understand drying physics in order to aid in the design of higher efficiency dryers.
Condenser Dryer Layout
The current apparatus allowing us to study drying thermodynamics is
modeled after a condenser-type dryer, used primarily in the EU.
The schematic shown below displays the layout of a typical condenser
dryer. The main advantages of using this setup over American
versions is that the system air is not discharged to the environment,
but is recirculated and dehumidified using an air-to-air heat
exchanger, which means that some portion of the heat can be recovered
and not wasted. This overall produces a more efficient
dryer.
Dryer Test Stand
We have built a test stand that is capable of independently
controlling the temperature, humidity, and pressure of the drying air
entering the drum. This test stand can be used to explore optimal
thermodynamic states for drying air. A schematic of the test
stand is shown below. Currently, all components are installed
with the exception of the steam injector.
Below is an image of the system undergoing construction:
If you would like to see more pictures of the entire system click here:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Dryer Test Stand Capabilities:
- Volumetric flow rates from 135 to 250 m3/hr
- Air Temperatures up to 180 oC
- Humidities ratios down to 0.000375 kg water / kg dry air
- Drum Vacuum down to 12.2 psia
Involved Students:
Michael Cochran May 2006 - Present
Dominic Pedotto May 2006 - September 2006
Jacob Wieneke May 2006 - December 2006
