Functioning of the heat-pump dryer
18
Two separate circuits ensure that the
laundry is dried:
Dry air circuit
The drying air flows through a heat
exchanger, the drum, and several
filters. This is ensured by a blower in
the dryer.
- The drying air flows through the heat
exchanger in the longitudinal
direction and is heated in the rear
area.
- The drying air is then blown into the
drum, where it absorbs the moisture
of the laundry.
- The damp drying air is blown back
through the heat exchanger via
several filters in the fill area and the
plinth area of the dryer.
- The drying air cools down in the
front, cool area of the heat
exchanger, and loses its moisture.
- The circuit begins again.
Refrigerant circuit
The refrigerant circuit regulates the
heating and cooling of the drying air
through the heat exchanger. The heat
pump is the central component: This
is a compressor that is connected to a
pipeline system which is filled with
refrigerant.
- The pipeline system surrounds the
heat exchanger in several bends.
- The compressor draws in the
gaseous refrigerant and compresses
it, causing the temperature to rise.
- The hot refrigerant is passed through
the pipeline system to the rear of the
heat exchanger. The heat is released
into the drying air, which flows
through the heat exchanger.
- The refrigerant liquifies by dissipating
the heat.
- The liquid refrigerant then flows
through a capillary tube (a very thin
tube) to the front area of the heat
exchanger. This changes the
pressure of the refrigerant.
- The refrigerant cools and reverts to
its gaseous state. This in turn cools
the front area of the heat exchanger
and dehumidifies the drying air.
- The circuit begins anew.
