Collaboration with the Largest U.S. National Laboratory
Application of High-Efficiency Desiccant Material in Dryers
Electricity Usage Reduced to 35% of Conventional Models
Samsung Electronics' next-generation clothing drying technology research has been selected as an official project supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
On January 15, Samsung Electronics announced that it is conducting research on a "next-generation desiccant dryer with a heat recovery system" to develop a next-generation clothing dryer that combines high energy efficiency with powerful drying performance. For this project, Samsung is collaborating with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the largest national laboratory in the United States, and the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina.
The core of this project is to develop a technology that applies the high-efficiency dehumidifying material "desiccant" to clothing dryers, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining drying performance. The goal is to reduce electricity usage during drying to 35% of that of vent-type (hot air exhaust) dryers, while achieving equivalent drying performance.
Vent-type dryers are in high demand in the North American market, characterized by their ability to immediately expel humid air outside, resulting in shorter drying times. However, due to their relatively low efficiency, they are difficult to use with the standard 120V power supply commonly found in the United States, requiring separate 240V electrical work. In addition, there is the limitation that ductwork is needed to vent air outside.
If Samsung Electronics' next-generation clothing drying technology is commercialized, it will enable the development of powerful dryers that can operate on a 120V power supply and do not require additional ductwork to vent air outside. These next-generation dryers, offering strong drying performance and high energy efficiency, will reduce installation constraints, making it possible to use dryers in a variety of residential environments, including multi-family housing and small apartments.
Samsung Electronics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of South Carolina will receive $1.2 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy over the next two years and will contribute an additional $1.2 million, bringing the total research budget to $2.4 million.
Samsung Electronics plans to apply the results of this drying solution research to various product lines in the future, including dryers and all-in-one washer-dryers. Moon Jongseung, Executive Vice President of the Digital Appliances (DA) Division at Samsung Electronics, stated, "This research project is a practical opportunity to translate innovative energy-saving technology into real value for consumers. Our goal is to expand appliances that deliver a sustainable lifestyle through collaboration with global research institutions."
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