Influence of load mass and drum speed on fabric motion and performance of a heat pump tumble dryer

The present study investigates fabric motion in the drum and its effect on performance parameters of a domestic heat pump tumble dryer in several operating points, defined by different load masses and drum speeds. Fabric motion in the drum was recorded by using a high-speed camera and evaluated statistically in order to determine the relation between the fabric distribution and the dryer performance parameters. Multiple regression analysis was performed to develop models for condensate mass flow rate as a function of drum speed, load mass, and drying stage. The results enable optimization of dryer operating parameters with respect to energy efficiency, drying time per kilogram of fabric, and condensate mass flow rate