U.S. patent application number 14/591344 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for dishwasher appliance having energy recovery features.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Shree Kumar, Ronald Scott Tarr.
Application Number | 20160192821 14/591344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56285825 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160192821 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kumar; Shree ; et
al. |
July 7, 2016 |
DISHWASHER APPLIANCE HAVING ENERGY RECOVERY FEATURES
Abstract
Dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance
includes a cabinet defining an interior, and a tub disposed within
the interior and defining a wash chamber for the receipt of
articles for cleaning The dishwasher appliance further includes a
sump and a fluid circulation conduit. The dishwasher appliance
further includes a closed-loop adsorption assembly in fluid
communication with the wash chamber. The closed-loop adsorption
assembly includes an inlet defined in the tub, an outlet defined in
the tub, and a desiccant assembly in fluid communication with the
inlet and the outlet. The desiccant assembly includes an inner
passage for receiving fluid from the wash chamber, an intermediate
passage surrounding the inner passage, an outer passage surrounding
the intermediate passage, and a desiccant module disposed in the
intermediate passage. Fluid received in the inner passage is
flowable through the intermediate passage to the outer passage.
Inventors: |
Kumar; Shree; (Bangalore,
IN) ; Tarr; Ronald Scott; (Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56285825 |
Appl. No.: |
14/591344 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/95.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/481
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/48 20060101
A47L015/48 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining an
interior; a tub disposed within the interior and defining a wash
chamber for the receipt of articles for cleaning; a sump for
collecting liquid from the chamber; a fluid circulation conduit for
circulating liquid in the tub; and a closed-loop adsorption
assembly in fluid communication with the wash chamber, the
closed-loop adsorption assembly comprising: an inlet defined in the
tub; an outlet defined in the tub; and a desiccant assembly in
fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, the desiccant
assembly comprising an inner passage for receiving fluid from the
wash chamber, an intermediate passage surrounding the inner
passage, an outer passage surrounding the intermediate passage, and
a desiccant module disposed in the intermediate passage, wherein
fluid received in the inner passage is flowable through the
intermediate passage to the outer passage.
2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the desiccant
assembly further comprises a heating unit.
3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 2, wherein the heating unit is
disposed within the inner passage.
4. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the closed-loop
adsorption assembly further comprises a fan.
5. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the fan is disposed
upstream of the desiccant assembly.
6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the fan is disposed
downstream of the desiccant assembly.
7. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the desiccant
module comprises a granular desiccant.
8. The dishwasher appliance of claim 7, wherein the desiccant is
zeolite.
9. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the closed-loop
adsorption assembly further comprises: an inlet conduit extending
between the inlet and the desiccant assembly for flowing fluid from
the wash chamber to the inner passage; and an outlet conduit
extending between the desiccant assembly and the outlet for flowing
fluid from the outer passage to the wash chamber.
10. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the desiccant
assembly further comprises an inner conduit defining the inner
passage, an intermediate conduit defining the intermediate passage,
and an outer conduit defining the outer passage, and wherein the
inner conduit and the intermediate conduit are perforated.
11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the inner passage,
the intermediate passage, and the outer passage each have a
generally rectangular cross-sectional profile.
12. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein the inner
passage, the intermediate passage, and the outer passage each have
a generally square cross-sectional profile.
13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein a maximum
thickness of the intermediate passage is between approximately 15
millimeters and approximately 50 millimeters.
14. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein a maximum length
of the intermediate passage is between approximately 200
millimeters and approximately 400 millimeters.
15. A dishwasher appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining an
interior; a tub disposed within the interior and defining a wash
chamber for the receipt of articles for cleaning; a sump for
collecting liquid from the chamber; a fluid circulation conduit for
circulating liquid in the tub; a closed-loop adsorption assembly in
fluid communication with the wash chamber, the closed-loop
adsorption assembly comprising: an inlet defined in the tub; an
outlet defined in the tub; a desiccant assembly in fluid
communication with the inlet and the outlet, the desiccant assembly
comprising an inner passage for receiving fluid from the wash
chamber, an intermediate passage surrounding the inner passage, an
outer passage surrounding the intermediate passage, a desiccant
module disposed in the intermediate passage, and a heating unit
disposed in the inner passage, wherein fluid received in the inner
passage is flowable through the intermediate passage to the outer
passage wherein the inner passage, the intermediate passage, and
the outer passage each have a generally rectangular cross-sectional
profile, a maximum thickness of the intermediate passage is between
approximately 15 millimeters and approximately 50 millimeters, and
a maximum length of the intermediate passage is between
approximately 200 millimeters and approximately 400
millimeters.
16. The dishwasher appliance of claim 15, wherein the closed-loop
adsorption assembly further comprises a fan.
17. The dishwasher appliance of claim 15, wherein the desiccant
module comprises a granular desiccant.
18. The dishwasher appliance of claim 17, wherein the desiccant is
zeolite.
19. The dishwasher appliance of claim 15, wherein the desiccant
assembly further comprises an inner conduit defining the inner
passage, an intermediate conduit defining the intermediate passage,
and an outer conduit defining the outer passage, and wherein the
inner conduit and the intermediate conduit are perforated.
20. The dishwasher appliance of claim 15, wherein the inner
passage, the intermediate passage, and the outer passage each have
a generally square cross-sectional profile.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher
appliances, and more particularly to dishwasher appliances which
utilize desiccants to recover energy during operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Modern dishwashers typically include a wash chamber where
e.g., detergent, water, and heat can be applied to clean food or
other materials from dishes and other articles being washed.
Various cycles may be included as part of the overall cleaning
process. For example, a typical, user-selected cleaning option may
include a wash cycle and rinse cycle (referred to collectively as a
wet cycle), as well as a drying cycle. A pre-wash cycle may also be
included as part of the wet cycle, and may be automatic or an
option for particularly soiled dishes.
[0003] Presently, many known dishwasher appliances utilize venting
arrangements to vent moist air during the drying cycle, in order to
facilitate drying. New air is drawn into the dishwasher appliance
as the moist air is vented from the dishwasher appliance to the
exterior environment. Such approach, however, can be problematic.
For example, venting the moist air during the drying cycle can add
moisture and heat to the surrounding environment, such as the
kitchen or other room where the dishwasher appliance is located.
Additionally, the air drawn into the dishwasher appliance from the
surrounding environment can, in some cases, potentially be dirty or
include undesirable particles, etc.
[0004] More recently, attempts have been made to recirculate air
within the dishwasher appliances in order to reduce or avoid the
above discussed disadvantages, and to generally recover the
associated energy. For example, adsorbent assemblies have been
utilized in dishwasher appliances in attempts to remove moisture
during operation. However, known adsorbent assemblies utilized in
such manner have generally proved to be relatively inefficient.
[0005] Accordingly, improved dishwasher appliances are desired in
the art. In particular, dishwasher appliances which provide
improved air recirculation and energy recovery during operation
would be advantageous.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance
includes a cabinet defining an interior, and a tub disposed within
the interior and defining a wash chamber for the receipt of
articles for cleaning The dishwasher appliance further includes a
sump for collecting liquid from the chamber, and a fluid
circulation conduit for circulating liquid in the tub. The
dishwasher appliance further includes a closed-loop adsorption
assembly in fluid communication with the wash chamber. The
closed-loop adsorption assembly includes an inlet defined in the
tub, an outlet defined in the tub, and a desiccant assembly in
fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The desiccant
assembly includes an inner passage for receiving fluid from the
wash chamber, an intermediate passage surrounding the inner
passage, an outer passage surrounding the intermediate passage, and
a desiccant module disposed in the intermediate passage. Fluid
received in the inner passage is flowable through the intermediate
passage to the outer passage.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher
appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior, and a tub
disposed within the interior and defining a wash chamber for the
receipt of articles for cleaning The dishwasher appliance further
includes a sump for collecting liquid from the chamber, and a fluid
circulation conduit for circulating liquid in the tub. The
dishwasher appliance further includes a closed-loop adsorption
assembly in fluid communication with the wash chamber. The
closed-loop adsorption assembly includes an inlet defined in the
tub, an outlet defined in the tub, and a desiccant assembly in
fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The desiccant
assembly includes an inner passage for receiving fluid from the
wash chamber, an intermediate passage surrounding the inner
passage, an outer passage surrounding the intermediate passage, a
desiccant module disposed in the intermediate passage, and a
heating unit disposed in the inner passage. Fluid received in the
inner passage is flowable through the intermediate passage to the
outer passage. The inner passage, the intermediate passage, and the
outer passage each have a generally rectangular cross-sectional
profile. A maximum thickness of the intermediate passage is between
approximately 15 millimeters and approximately 50 millimeters, and
a maximum length of the intermediate passage is between
approximately 200 millimeters and approximately 400
millimeters.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of a dishwasher
appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of a dishwasher
appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of various components of a
dishwasher appliance, including a closed-loop adsorption assembly,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 provides a side cross-sectional view of components of
a closed-loop adsorption assembly in accordance with one embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 5 provides a side cross-sectional view of components of
a closed-loop adsorption assembly in accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional profile view of a
desiccant assembly of a closed-loop adsorption assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0017] FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional profile view of a
desiccant assembly of a closed-loop adsorption assembly in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher
appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of
the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIG. 1,
the dishwasher appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that defines an
interior 103. A tub 104 is disposed in the interior 103. Tub 104
defines a wash chamber 106. Chamber 106 is configured for the
receipt of articles for cleaning, such as dishes, cups, utensils,
etc. The tub 104 includes a front opening (not shown) and a door
120 hinged at or near its bottom side wall 122 for movement between
a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2),
wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation,
and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of
articles from the dishwasher appliance 100. Latch 123 is used to
lock and unlock door 120 for access to chamber 106.
[0020] Upper and lower guide rails 124, 126 are mounted on tub side
walls 128 and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies 130 and
132. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 may be fabricated into
lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134
(for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up
assemblies 130 and 132 are shown in FIG. 2). Each rack 130, 132 is
adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not
shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the
wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2)
in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This is
facilitated by rollers 135 and 139, for example, mounted onto racks
130 and 132, respectively. A silverware basket (not shown) may be
removably attached to rack assembly 132 for placement of
silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to
be accommodated by the racks 130, 132.
[0021] The dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a lower
spray-arm assembly 144 that is rotatably mounted within a lower
region 146 of the wash chamber 106 and above a tub sump portion 142
so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly 132.
A mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 is located in an upper region of
the wash chamber 106 and may be located in close proximity to upper
rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located
above the upper rack 130.
[0022] The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and
the upper spray assembly 150 are fed by a fluid circulation conduit
152 for circulating water and dishwasher fluid (generally referred
to as liquid) in the tub 104. A first pump 154, which may for
example be located in a machinery compartment 140 located below the
bottom sump portion 142 of the tub 104, may flow liquid to and
through the fluid circulation conduit 152. Each spray-arm assembly
144, 148 includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for
directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in
rack assemblies 130 and 132. The arrangement of the discharge ports
in spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 provides a rotational force by
virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The
resultant rotation of the lower spray-arm assembly 144 provides
coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing
spray.
[0023] The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 137
to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller may
include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special
purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions
or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory
may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only
memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor
executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may
be a separate component from the processor or may be included
onboard within the processor.
[0024] The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of
locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment,
the controller 137 may be located within a control panel area 121
of door 120 as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output ("I/O")
signals may be routed between the control system and various
operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses
that may be routed through the bottom side wall 122 of door 120.
Typically, the controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136
through which a user may select various operational features and
modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one
embodiment, the user interface 136 may represent a general purpose
I/O ("GPIO") device or functional block. In one embodiment, the
user interface 136 may include input components, such as one or
more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical
input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads.
The user interface 136 may include a display component, such as a
digital or analog display device designed to provide operational
feedback to a user. The user interface 136 may be in communication
with the controller 137 via one or more signal lines or shared
communication busses.
[0025] In general, dishwasher appliance 100 may utilize a variety
of cycles to wash and, optionally, dry articles within chamber 106.
For example, a wet cycle is utilized to wash articles. The wet
cycle may include a main wash cycle and a rinse cycle, as well as
an optional pre-wash cycle. During each such cycle, water or
another suitable liquid may be utilized in chamber 106 to interact
with and clean articles therein. Such liquid may, for example, be
directed into chamber 106 from lower and mid-level spray-arm
assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150. The liquid
may additionally mix with, for example, detergent or other various
additives which are released into the chamber during various
sub-cycles of the wet cycle. A drying cycle may be utilized to dry
articles after washing. During a drying cycle, for example, a
heating element (not shown) may heat the chamber 106 to facilitate
drying of the articles and evaporation of liquid into gas within
the chamber 106. In generally, no liquid is sprayed or otherwise
produced during the drying cycle.
[0026] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited
to any particular style, model, or other configuration of
dishwasher, and that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
for illustrative purposes only. For example, instead of the racks
130, 132 depicted in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 may be of a known
configuration that utilizes drawers that pull out from the cabinet
and are accessible from the top for loading and unloading of
articles. Other configurations may be used as well.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 7, dishwasher appliances
100 according to the present disclosure may further include various
components which facilitate improved air recirculation and energy
recovery during operation of the appliance 100. In particular,
dishwasher appliances 100 may utilize desiccants to adsorb
moisture, in particular during the drying cycle, and desorb such
moisture during the wet cycle. Such adsorption and desorption may
reduce or eliminate the need to vent air from the dishwasher
appliance 100 during operation. Further, desorption may facilitate
fluid heating within the dishwasher appliance 100, thus providing
improved efficiency by causing the dishwasher appliance 100 to
require less heating.
[0028] As illustrated, a dishwasher appliance 100 in accordance
with the present disclosure may include a closed-loop adsorption
assembly 200. The closed-loop adsorption assembly 200 is in fluid
communication with the wash chamber 106, such that fluid is
flowable to the adsorption assembly 200 from the wash chamber 106
and to the wash chamber 106 from the adsorption assembly 200.
Adsorption assembly 200 thus includes an inlet 202 defined in the
tub 104 and an outlet 204 defined in the tub 104. As discussed
herein, adorption and desorption of moisture may advantageously
occur within adsorption assembly 200.
[0029] In particular, adsorption assembly 200 may further include a
desiccant assembly 210 in which adsorption and desorption of
moisture may occur. Desiccant assembly 210 may be in fluid
communication with the inlet 202 and the outlet 204. For example,
in some embodiments, desiccant assembly 210 may be directly
connected to the inlet 202 and/or outlet 204. In other embodiments,
conduits may extend between the inlet 202 and/or outlet 204 and the
desiccant assembly 210. As shown, assembly 200 may further include
an inlet conduit 212 extending between the inlet 202 and the
desiccant assembly 210 for flowing fluid from the wash chamber 106
to the desiccant assembly 210 (such as to an inner passage thereof
as discussed herein). As further shown, assembly 200 may further
include an outlet conduit 214 extending between the desiccant
assembly 210 and the outlet 204 for flowing fluid from the
desiccant assembly 210 (such as an outer passage thereof as
discussed herein) to the wash chamber 106.
[0030] In exemplary embodiments as shown, the desiccant assembly
210, as well as inlet and outlet conduits 212, 214, may be disposed
in the interior 103 (but exterior to the tube 104).
[0031] Desiccant assembly 210 generally includes various passages
through which fluid may flow. As shown, desiccant assembly 200 may
include an inner passage 222, an intermediate passage 224, and an
outer passage 226. The inner passage 222 may receive fluid from the
wash chamber 106. Accordingly, inner passage 222 may be directly
connected to the inlet 202 or to the inlet conduit 212, such that
fluid flows from the inlet 202 and/or inlet conduit 212 into the
inner passage 222. Intermediate passage 224 may surround the inner
passage 222, and outer passage 226 may surround the intermediate
passage 226. Fluid received in the inner passage 224 may be
flowable through the intermediate passage 224 to the outer passage
226. Further, wash chamber 106 may receive fluid from the outer
passage 226. Accordingly, outer passage 226 may be directly
connected to the outer 204 or to the outlet conduit 214, such that
fluid flow from the outer passage 226 through the outlet conduit
214 and/or outlet 204.
[0032] In exemplary embodiments, desiccant assembly 210 may include
various conduits which define the various passages thereof. For
example, desiccant assembly 210 may further include an inner
conduit 232 which defines the inner passage 222, an intermediate
conduit 234 which surrounds the inner conduit 222 and defines the
intermediate passage 224, and an outer conduit 236 which surrounds
the intermediate conduit 234 and defines the outer passage 236. In
exemplary embodiments as shown, the inner conduit 232 and the
intermediate conduit 234 are perforated, and thus define
perforations 233, 235 respectively therethrough, through which
fluid can flow.
[0033] It should be noted that in some embodiments the inner
conduit 232 can be an integral extension of the inlet conduit 212
and/or the outer conduit 236 can be an integral extension of the
outlet conduit 214. In some alternative embodiments, the inner
conduit 232 can be a separate component that is coupled to the
inlet conduit 212 and/or the outer conduit 236 can be a separate
component that is coupled to the outlet conduit 214.
[0034] As shown, as desiccant module 240 is disposed in the
intermediate passage 224, such that the desiccant module 240
generally surrounds the inner passage 222. Thus, fluid flowing from
the inner passage 222 through the intermediate passage 224 to the
outer passage 226 flows through the desiccant module 240 while
flowing through the intermediate passage 224. This facilitates
adsorption and desorption of moisture by the desiccant module
240.
[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the desiccant module 240 may
include a granular desiccant 242, as shown. In exemplary
embodiments, the granular desiccant 242 may be zeolite.
Alternatively, however, the desiccant may be activated charcoal,
calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, or another suitable molecular
sieve, or any other suitable material, etc. In alternative
embodiments, the desiccant module 240 may include a plurality of
desiccant-coated plates (not shown). In exemplary embodiments, the
desiccant coating the plates may be zeolite. Alternatively,
however, the desiccant may be activated charcoal, calcium sulfate,
calcium chloride, or another suitable molecular sieve, or any other
suitable material, etc. The plates themselves may be formed from
any suitable material, such as a suitable metal, polymer, ceramic,
etc.
[0036] Adsorption assembly 200 may further include various
components to facilitate adsorption and desorption as required. For
example, adsorption assembly 200 may include a fan 250. The fan 250
may encourage fluid flow through the desiccant assembly 210 and
adsorption assembly 200 generally. In some embodiments as shown in
FIG. 4, fan 250 is disposed downstream of the desiccant assembly
210 (relative to the flow direction of fluid through the adsorption
assembly 200), such as within the outlet conduit 214. In other
embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, fan 250 is disposed upstream of the
desiccant assembly 210 (relative to the flow direction of fluid
through the adsorption assembly 200), such as within the inlet
conduit 212. In still other embodiments, fan 250 may be disposed
within the desiccant assembly 210, such as in inner passage
222.
[0037] Adsorption assembly 200 may further include a heating unit
255, which may be included in the desiccant assembly 210. The
heating unit 255 may include one or more heating elements 257, such
as two (as shown in FIG. 6), three, four (as shown in FIG. 7) or
more. In some embodiments, two or four heating elements 257 may be
desirable due to the rectangular cross-sectional profile of the
various passages 222, 224, 226, as discussed herein. In exemplary
embodiments, the heating unit 255, such as the heating elements 257
thereof, may be disposed within the inner passage 222. These
embodiments are particularly advantageous because a substantial
portion of the heat emitted by the heating unit 255 is trapped by
the desiccant module 240. Accordingly, these embodiments are
particularly energy efficient. In alternative embodiments, however,
the heating unit 255, such as the heating elements 257 thereof, may
for example be disposed within the outer passage 226.
[0038] Each heating element 257 may extend through the desiccant
assembly 210 between the inlet of the desiccant assembly 210 (on
the upstream side thereof) and the outlet of the desiccant assembly
210 (on the downstream side thereof). In some embodiments, the
heating elements 257 may have constant wattages therethrough
between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof. Alternatively,
however, the heating elements 257 may have variable wattages
therethrough between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof.
For example, the wattage of a heating element 257 may be greater at
the inlet side and may decrease from the inlet side to the outlet
side, to reduce or prevent temperature gradients in the desiccant
module 240 along the length thereof between the inlet side and the
outlet side.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the passages 222, 224, 226
of the desiccant assembly 210 may in exemplary embodiments each
have a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. In further
exemplary embodiments, the rectangle may be a square. Square
cross-sectional profiles are illustrated in FIG. 7, while other
rectangular cross-sectional profiles are illustrated in FIG. 6.
Such cross-sectional profiles may advantageously facilitate
efficient fluid flow through the passages 222, 224, 226, in
particular relative to oval or circular cross-sectional profiles.
For example, oval or circular cross-sectional profiles may
encourage generally helical flow patterns for fluid through the
passages 222, 224, 226, while rectangular cross-sectional profiles
encourage the patterns to be relatively less helical and more
axial. Accordingly the fluid flow using such rectangular
cross-sectional profiles can be relatively more efficient. It
should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not
limited to rectangular cross-sectional profiles. Rather, any
suitable profiles, including oval or circular cross-sectional
profiles, are within the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure.
[0040] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the intermediate passage
224 (which houses the desiccant assembly 240) has a thickness 260
as illustrated. In exemplary embodiments, the thickness 260 is
relatively small, thus encouraging efficient fluid flow
therethrough and reducing restrictions caused by the desiccant
assembly 240. For example, in some embodiments, a maximum thickness
260 of the intermediate passage 224 is between approximately 15
millimeters and approximately 50 millimeters, such as between
approximately 20 millimeters and approximately 40 millimeters.
[0041] Intermediate passage 224 may further have a length 262. The
length 262 may in exemplary embodiments be sized relative to the
thickness 260 to ensure adequate adsorption and desorption
capabilities for the desiccant assembly 240 disposed in the
intermediate passage 224. For example, in some embodiments, a
maximum length 262 of the intermediate passage 224 is between
approximately 200 millimeters and approximately 400 millimeters,
such as between approximately 250 millimeters and approximately 350
millimeters.
[0042] Controller 137 may be in operable communication with the
various components of the dishwasher appliance 100, such as the fan
250 and heating unit 255, and may be operable to adjust the
dishwasher appliance 100 (and thus the various components) to
various settings based on desired operation of the dishwasher
appliance and desired adsorption or regeneration/desorption of the
desiccant. For example, the controller 137 may be operable to
adjust the dishwasher appliance 100 to a desorption setting wherein
the heating unit 255 and optionally the fan 250 are both on. Such
setting may for example be an initial setting of the dishwasher
appliance 100 when a wet cycle is initiated, during an initial wash
and fill within the chamber 100, or another setting at an
intermediate time during a wet cycle. In this setting, operation of
the heating unit 255 heats the desiccant module 240. The relatively
higher temperatures within the desiccant assembly 210 facilitate
regeneration and desorption of the desiccant. The released heated
moisture/humidity may flow from desiccant assembly 210 through
outlet 204 into the wash chamber 106, where it may mix with and
heat fluid in the wash chamber 106.
[0043] The controller 137 may further be operable to adjust the
dishwasher appliance 100 to an adsorption setting wherein the
heating unit 255 is off but the fan 250 may be on. Such setting may
for example be the setting during the drying cycle of the
dishwasher appliance 100. In this setting, relatively moist/humid
fluid from the wash chamber 106 may flow into the desiccant
assembly 210 through inlet 202, and this moisture/humidity may be
adsorbed by the desiccant, which may be at relatively lower
temperatures due to inactivity of the heating unit 255.
[0044] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
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