Tumble Dryers - Overview

Issue

  • Which types of tumble dryers are available in the market?
  • What are the main differences between tumble dryers?
  • Which dryers are the most effective in terms of energy consumption?

Applies to

  • Tumble Dryers

Resolution

There are three main types of Household Tumble Dryers sold on the market:

- Most efficient in terms of energy consumption.

Condenser Dryer with Heat Pump Technology

  • Drying air is heated by the hot side of the heat pump.
  • Hot air passes through the load and causes water evaporation.
  • Water vapour is condensed by the cold side of the heat pump and collected into a reservoir or directly passed to the drain pipe.
  • The heat pump's hot side re-heats the air afterwards for reuse, which conserves much of the heat within the dryer.
  • A portion of the water vapour and heat leaks outside and increases the ambient temperature.
  • After some time air in the internal loop is warmer and more humid which can increase the drying time.
  • Heat re-circulation is the big advantage of this type of dryer, with a positive effect on energy consumption.

Condenser Dryer with Heater

  • Drying air is heated by the heater.
  • hot air passes through the load and causes water evaporation.
  • Water vapour is condensed by the heat exchanger and collected into the reservoir or directly passed to the drain pipe.
  • The heat exchanger is cooled by the forced stream of ambient air.
  • A portion of the water vapour and heat leaks outside and increases the ambient temperature.
  • After some time in operation air in the internal loop is warmer and more humid, which can increase drying time.

Exhaust Dryer with Heater (currently discontinued)

  • Drying air is heated by the heater.
  • Hot air passes through the load and causes water evaporation.
  • Hot air carrying water vapour is exhausted outside the room through the ventilation hose.
  • Heat is wasted, causing high energy consumption and hence high drying costs.
  • After some time air in the internal loop is drier, decreasing drying time.

Tumble Dryers Comparison:

Condense Dryer with Heat Pump

Condense Dryer with Heater

Exhaust Dryer with Heater

energy consumption

lowest

low

above average

drying temperatures

low

high

high

drying delicacy

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*

*

drying cycle time

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**

*

energy saving*

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*

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performance drying cost

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*

*

* compared to exhaust dryers

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Brands

  • Electrolux
  • AEG
  • Zanussi