The technology relies on high-frequency vibrations to shake the water from fabric by essentially atomizing the moisture so it is released as a fine mist. In this way, it dries fabric faster and using much less energy than simply using heat. The researchers estimate the ultrasonic approach can dry clothes twice as fast as conventional dryers, cutting drying times to about 20 minutes per load, while using 70 percent less energy. The process also results in almost no lint being produced.

The ultrasonic vibrations are produced by piezoelectric transducers that rapidly contract and expand in response to an electric current. These were previously demonstrated on their own on a desktop, but the researchers have now succeeded in scaling them up and integrating multiple transducers into a full-scale press dryer and clothes dryer drum.

[Source: US DOE]