Design and development of high performance hand dryer

Abstract

In general, current hand dryers are lacking in term of performance because they are less effective or require longer time to dry. One alternative is to use tissue papers to dry hands but this option requires expensive running cost for toilet owners and they have a negative effect to the environment. There are effective hand dryers such Dyson Airblade or Mitsubishi Jet Towel but they are expensive. In this study a new concept of hand dryer technology has been developed. It is a new form factor design which contributes to less cost which improved efficiency. The development of the new hand dryer follows a structured product design and development phases which begins with the identification of customers’ needs and ends with a concept testing of a prototype. The new development hand dryer can function as specified with less components involved in the fabrication. This new hand dryer effectively dries both hands in less than 15 seconds and fulfils a part of National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Protocol P335 criterion for effective hand dryer standard. It creates more value as having less carbon footprint and high energy efficiency due to no heating element being used and avoiding the use of tissue papers. The significant benefits are more on affordability and low operating cost.