Using Sunlight to Dry Clothes – Indoors

[txlibdem]

Using Sunlight to Dry Clothes – Indoors

Charis Michelsen
September 6, 2011

A conventional heat or air dryer uses quite a bit of energy, but, in exchange, it’s quick and super convenient. The Miele system reduces energy use by at least half, according to a study undertaken jointly with the solar heating system manufacturer Solvis, with a corresponding reduction in cost. The results – and the dryer – will be presented at the IFA 2011, and the dryer is available next fall.

The solar dryer can be installed directly into the SolvisMax solar heating system, which places the solar cylinder in the center (as opposed to having the furnace there). Solar energy always takes precedence, with the furnace kicking in only when solar energy is insufficient.

The clothes-drying process is a little more complicated than just letting the heat from the sun evaporate water from clothing, and it is applicable to not only dryers, but other household appliances, including washers and dishwashers.

First, water runs through pipes in solar panels and is heated by the sun. The hot water then flows through a perpendicular pipe with dispenser valves to the solar cylinder. The hot water stays at the top, warm water in the middle, and cool water is at the bottom. Heat for the dryer is supplied directly from the hot water in the top later, and as the water cools it sinks to the bottom.

http://cleantechnica.com/2011/09/06/using-sunlight-to-dry-clothes-%E2%80%93-indoors/

This is from a German company called Miele

When I was little (about 50 years ago or so) we used the sun to dry our clothes... by hanging them on a line outside. And when it started to rain the whole family had to make a mad dash to get the clothes inside.

We've all heard of solar hot water heating... this takes it a step further, using some of that hot water to also dry clothing - and with the option to help heat your home by adding on the SolvisMax heating system.

If you've read any of my posts touting the use of free solar heat for use in retail, office buildings, even manufacturing and processing plants then you've already read my opinion: it's stupid NOT to make use of free solar and wind energy whenever and wherever possible. IT'S FREE.

[FSogol]

1. I dry my clothes in the dryer for 5 minutes and then hang on a clothsline in the basement.

The homeowners association would probably kill me if I hung them outside.

PS, it isn't free until you've paid off the initial costs.

[madrchsod]

2. we hang as many clothes as can over the floor vents or shower rods.

a wood or metal clothes rack are great for drying just about all our stuff. we use the dryer for fluffing and hard to dry stuff like blankets and sheets.

[badhair77]

3. I still hang my laundry outside, when I can.

I also use a folding rack to hold some items and I've thrown a shirt over the back of a stuffed chair at times, too. Sometimes I just put things on a hanger in the laundry room.

I love to put it outside, though, when the weather cooperates.

[prairierose]

4. I hang my laundry outside..I still love...

the way it smells when I bring it back inside.

[chillspike]

5. Why not hang your clothes in a greenhouse?

That way even if it rained you still wouldn't have to bring them inside.

[hunter]

6. Solar drying cabinents...

... can be made from local materials.

It's a step up from clothes lines and a very simple technology.

Dedicating all that plumbing and very expensive high technology to clothes drying seems a bit excessive to me.