Total Energy Balance Method for Venting Electric Clothes Dryers

A total energy balance method for venting electric tumbler dryers was developed and the experimental methodology and calculation details are provided in this article. The energy to evaporate the water in the load; the energy to heat the water, textile, and dryer; energy losses by convection and radiation; and the energy not used in the process were considered to calculate the total output energy. This method was applied to a domestic venting electric tumble dryer. The results of the method suggested areas of improvement. The maximum difference between the measured total input and the calculated total output energies was 2.6%, indicating the accuracy of the method.