Dorm Dryer Heat Recovery
Description:
According to a 2010 study by Paul Bendt, it is estimated that the 84 million dryers in the United States account for 5.8% of all residential electricity use, or about 66 billion kWh. At Rochester Institute of Technology, there are 3,400 residents living in thirteen dorms that all contribute to dryer usage. We sought to address the problem of energy loss due to dissipated heat by demonstrating the potential economic benefit of using the exhaust to heat living spaces.
After a period of research and data collection using thermocouples and anemometers, we presented our findings to NYSP2I.
According to a 2010 study by Paul Bendt, it is estimated that the 84 million dryers in the United States account for 5.8% of all residential electricity use, or about 66 billion kWh. At Rochester Institute of Technology, there are 3,400 residents living in thirteen dorms that all contribute to dryer usage. We sought to address the problem of energy loss due to dissipated heat by demonstrating the potential economic benefit of using the exhaust to heat living spaces.
After a period of research and data collection using thermocouples and anemometers, we presented our findings to NYSP2I.