The use of waste heat from domestic refrigerator for drying clothes

Abstract

 This paper exhibits the experimental study of the use  of waste heat from domestic refrigerator for drying clothes.  A   0.4m³ capacity drying closet with a 100W blower was fitted to the back side of an LG refrigerator which contains the condenser that emits waste heat.  Wet clothes of weights 1.32kg, 1.96kg, 2.89kg, 3.12kg and 4.10kg   were hung in the drying closet  in succession to dry when the refrigerator was in operation.  Air flow temperature, drying closet temperature, hot air velocity in the drying closet,  relative humidity and drying time were measured.  The drying characteristics and performance of the drying closet were evaluated.  The results of the study revealed that wet clothes of weights 1.32kg, 1.96kg, 2.89kg, 3.12kg and 4.10kg  were respectively dried  in 55, 65, 100, 105 and 130 minutes. The drying rate is in the range of 6.02kg/min to 11.06kg/min.  Specific moisture extraction rate varied between 0.752kg/kWh and 1.833kg/kWh   and drying efficiency of the closet varied between 48.8 and 63.1%.

Keywords

• Waste heat,refrigerator,clothes,drying

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