Samsung Electronics will develop high-efficiency dehumidification drying technology under a U.S. Department of Energy-supported assignment. Samsung Electronics said on Jan. 15 it will conduct research on a "next-generation desiccant dryer with a heat recovery system" backed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The research will be carried out in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the chemical engineering department at the University of South Carolina. The research period is 2 years and will proceed on a total budget of $2.4 million, combining $1.2 million in DOE funding and $1.2 million in Samsung’s own contribution.

The goal is to develop technology that reduces energy use by applying desiccant, a high-efficiency dehumidification material, to clothes dryers. The target is to achieve equivalent drying performance while cutting electricity use to 35 percent of that of vented dryers. Vented dryers have strong demand in the North American market, but low efficiency requires separate 240V voltage construction. External ducting work is also essential, which limits installation environments.

If Samsung Electronics’ next-generation drying technology is commercialised, it will be able to operate in a 120V power environment. No separate work is needed to connect external ducting. With fewer installation constraints, dryers can be used in various residential environments such as multi-family housing and small apartments.

Samsung Electronics plans to apply the research results to various product lines, including dryers and all-in-one washer-dryers. "This research project is a practical opportunity to connect innovative energy-saving technology to value that consumers can actually feel," said Moon Jong-seung, vice president of Samsung Electronics’ DA Business Division. "Our goal is to expand home appliances that present sustainable daily life through collaboration with global research institutions," he said.