Development of an efficient and environmental-friendly drying model for domestic dryer

Although it is known that the temperature, moisture content, and movement of the fabric drying in dryer are constantly changing, little information is available for manufacturer to optimize the drying mode of the dryer by making full use of the time-variability and stage characteristics of drying process. The purpose of this study was to develop a saving-energy drying model for domestic dryer by utilizing this characteristic, and quantitatively assess their drying efficiency, performance change of fabric, environmental and economic impacts (CO2 eq. and utility cost). Results indicated the staged drying model consumed less electricity during tumble-drying by making full use of the temperature and humidity characteristics of each drying stage. Specially, comparing to the drying mode of single clockwise rotating and fixed-parameters (normal drying model of commercial dryer), the drying model of clockwise-counterclockwise alternatively rotating and staged-adjusting parameters saved up to 21.5% of electric energy and utility cost during lifetime drying of 1000 cycles. This study not only provides an objective assessment methodology that will be applied to quantitatively evaluate the environmental and economic impacts such as CO2 eq. and monetary utility cost of domestic dryer, but also provides information that is useful to consumers in their decision making for the purchase of dryer products.