Commercial Heat-Pump Dryers That Deliver Up to 60% Energy Savings

Power-hungry commercial tumble dryers could soon be a thing of the past as German appliance maker, Miele, has recently announced the launch of their commercial grade heat-pump dryers.

The heat-pump technology can reduce electricity consumption by up to 60% when compared with a conventional condenser dryer.

This energy saving technology features a closed circuit: hot, moisture-laden air from the dryer is passed through a heat pump where is it cooled and dehumidified through condensation in a heat exchanger. The air then proceeds through a second heat exchanger, where it is re-heated before it is passed through the drum. The closed air circuit obviates the need for vent ducting, which can reduce the expense of installation.

Cooling and dehumidifying air releases energy that is captured and used to pre-heat cold, dry air. This approach retains the latent heat within the process, unlike vented and traditional condenser dryers. The temperature of the process air can be kept at very low levels thanks to thorough dehumidification.

Les Marshall, Commercial Director at Miele, said: “We are extremely proud to announce the launch of our heat-pump dryers. Miele is committed to the development of energy saving technologies, and the heat-pump dryers are a step forward for our product range, delivering both cost and energy savings.” The PT 8257 WP with a drum volume of 250 l has a load capacity of between 10 and 13 kg of laundry; the PT 8337 WP – at 325 l – is able to cope with 13 to 16 kg. Both models excel in terms of short cycle times: 10 kg of laundry drying times down to only 44 minutes (reduction in residual moisture level from 50% to 0%).