Dyson has launched the Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer for public restrooms. The low-energy device is meant to offer an alternative to single-use paper towels.
The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer has been in development for more than three years, with more than 700 prototypes made. In a statement, the company said the new unit is the quietest Dyson Airblade hand dryer yet, and dries hands in 10 seconds.
More importantly, the unit's motor and airflow technology let the dryer use up to 86 percent less energy than warm air dryers in its Eco mode, while producing up to 85 percent less carbon dioxide emissions per use than paper towels.
The unit's stainless steel body was "rigorously tested" to withstand real-life washroom conditions. It also employs pioneering Dyson technology including:
Two Modes
This is the first Dyson AirbladeTM to feature two modes–Max and Eco. Max mode is designed for washrooms with high footfall that want to optimize for speed, while Eco mode is recommended for washrooms with relatively lower footfall who want to optimize for energy consumption and noise reduction. The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer uses 9.1 kilojoules of energy per dry in Eco mode, and the company estimates the cost of running the unit on this setting to be less than $20 per year. This is the first time Dyson has offered such customization to customers.
A Curved Blade Design
Powered by the Dyson digital motor V4, which spins at up to 75,000 rpm, sheets of air flow up to 388 miles per hour through two 0.018-inch curved apertures that follow the contours of hands, removing water in less time. The blades are positioned at an angle of 70 degrees for fast, comfortable hand drying.
Touch-free Operation
The machine uses ‘time of flight’ sensors that accurately detect hands to activate air. The sensors are calibrated to detect hands in 0.25 seconds for quick activation. Similarly, once hands are out of the area covered by the sensor the machine will stop quickly.
Hygienic HEPA filtration
The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer has a fleece-lined glass fiber HEPA filter, which captures 99.97 percent of particles, including bacteria and viruses from the washroom air so the machine uses clean air to dry hands.
In addition, the body of the machine is made from stainless steel for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Acoustically Engineered
The unit has silencers made from open-cell foam and perforated discs, reducing noise as airflow passes through the motor.
To achieve the reduction in noise, Dyson re-designed the airflow paths through the machine to create a straight line configuration. This allows for a simpler airflow path which reduces air turbulence and therefore reducing sound output. The new straight line configuration also helps with less energy consumption.
The motor housing of the Dyson digital motor V4 regulates airflow paths through the motor, reducing noisy turbulence. The motor is mounted on silicone rubber to further reduce noise, and the specially designed open-cell foam silencers absorb vibrations from air entering and exiting the motor.
The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer costs $1,199 and is designed to suit any commercial or public washroom.