Drying phenomena for increased innovation in dishwashers

Purpose and goal

Innovative dishwasher development and qualification of female research leaders has been the focus of this collaborative project between Luleå University of Technology, LTU, and AB Electrolux. The project has contributed to fundamental knowledge in the field of evaporating water droplets, enabling new innovations for improved drying and reduced energy consumption in dishwashers. Mobility between research milieus, participation at conferences and project management has furthermore contributed to the qualification of female researchers in industry and academia.

Expected results and effects

Numerical models describing evaporation of water droplets has been developed with focus on conduction, convection and forced convection in the surrounding flow. The models enable studies of how velocity, temperature, humidity and contact angle influence the evaporation of a droplet in a dishwasher. Experimental PIV equipment that visualizes the flow inside a drop has also been developed within the framework of the project. The project managers´ qualification as research leaders has furthermore benefited from personal development in terms of research and project management.

Planned approach and implementation

The work was divided into an experimental and a numerical part. Experiments contributed to the overall understanding of the drying process while numerical models allowed detailed studies on specific queries. Mobility and participation at conferences has further expanded the research network and led to valuable insights into both academic and industrial research and development environments. A number of student projects, a master thesis and a licentiate thesis related to the project have also been carried out.