Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a lab operated by the US Department of Energy, has been working on an ultrasonic clothes dryer that forgoes heat entirely, offering up a far more energy efficient alternative to the standard household appliance should the lab's technology makes it to market. The new dryer uses sound energy rather than heat, effectively shaking the clothes dry.
There are many different benefits to the lab's ultrasonic clothes dryer. For one, the Oak Ridge researchers estimate that a production model of their ultrasonic dryer could cut drying times for clothing in half. This speed, in conjunction with the lesser energy required to produce the ultrasonic waves, should reduce total energy by 70 percent when compared to the average dryer.
Another benefit of the tech relates to the clothes themselves. Removing heat means that the clothes are guaranteed not to shrink, and the dryers will also produce virtually no lint.
Ultrasonic Clothes Dryers
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is Working on a Heat-Free Dryer
Trend Themes
1. Ultrasonic Clothes Dryers - Using sound energy instead of heat for drying clothes offers a more energy-efficient and shrink-free alternative to standard dryers.
2. Reduced Drying Times - The ultrasonic clothes dryer technology has the potential to cut drying times in half, providing a faster and more efficient laundry solution.
3. Energy Efficiency - By utilizing ultrasonic waves, the new dryers can reduce total energy consumption by 70% compared to traditional dryers.
Industry Implications
1. Home Appliances - Ultrasonic clothes dryers present an opportunity for innovation in the home appliances industry, providing a more eco-friendly and convenient solution for consumers.
2. Textile Manufacturing - The use of ultrasonic dryers holds potential for textile manufacturers to improve the quality of their products by eliminating shrinkage and lint production during the drying process.
3. Renewable Energy - Ultrasonic clothes dryers align with the renewable energy industry's focus on creating sustainable and efficient solutions for everyday tasks, reducing reliance on heat-based appliances.