Energy efficiency analysis of air cycle heat pump dryers

In this paper, the feasibility of an air heat pump (reversed Brayton) cycle for tumbler clothes dryers is investigated. The goal is to increase the energy efficiency as compared to conventional electrically heated driers. Relatively simple models were used to compare the energy efficiency of the heat pump drier with that of a conventional air vented drier. The components were modeled using overall performance indices and thermodynamic relations. An air cycle heat pump dryer with practical components was found to be capable of significant efficiency improvements as compared with conventional dryers.