Experimental analysis on thermodynamic performance of clothes drying process under different fabric dynamic motion regimes in domestic tumble dryers
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study presented a detailed energy and exergy analysis of the clothes drying process in a domestic tumble dryer to clarify the thermodynamic performance across various fabric motion regimes. Drying experiments were performed at varying drum rotation speeds to characterize three fabric motion modes: rolling (30 rpm), falling (45 rpm), and centrifuging (60 rpm). Energy efficiency, energy utilization ratio, exergy efficiency, and exergy improvement potential were systematically evaluated. Corrected drying times were 56.7, 45.4, and 281.8 minutes; corrected electric consumptions were 2.6, 2.3, and 12.0 kWh; dryer efficiencies were 49.3%, 53.1%, and 10.0%; and drying efficiencies were 61.8%, 68.3%, and 12.4% for the rolling, falling, and centrifuging modes, respectively. The exergy efficiency of the drying process in the falling mode averaged 64.3%, whereas the lowest values occurred in the centrifuging mode (7.7%). The centrifuging mode exhibited a significantly higher improvement potential (1751.8 kJ/h) than the other modes, indicating substantial opportunities for enhancing exergetic performance. The falling mode achieved the highest average energy utilization ratio (74.2%), demonstrating superior utilization of the supplied energy. These results suggest that optimizing the fabric motion pattern within the drum to achieve complete spreading can enhance both energy and exergy efficiency of clothes dryers.
Authors: Xinchen Yu, Hui Chen, Yingwen Liu
Institutions: Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an Jiaotong University
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,000
Funder: Donghua University
OpenAlex ID: W4416818610