NeoCon 2017: See how Dyson’s Airblade V hand dryer got even more powerful and more hygienic, yet even quieter

by Brianna Crandall — July 12, 2017 — Global technology company Dyson just unveiled its latest Dyson Airblade V hand dryer, which the company says is 30% quieter than the original Airblade V ultra-hygienic hand dryer, as well as a powerful but cool LED task light.

Improved Airblade V hand dryer

Some quiet hand dryers use weak motors to keep noise levels low. But that can increase dry time, forcing some washroom users to give up and leave with damp hands — increasing the spread of bacteria by up to 1,000 times, according to a study cited by Dyson. On the other hand, fast hand dryers use bigger motors to improve dry times, but can generate high noise levels as a result. That can be disruptive in spaces where people work or relax.

Dyson Airblade V dryer - sprayed nickel

The Dyson Airblade V hand dryer takes just 12 seconds to dry hands, so users spend less time in the washroom, and busy periods are easier to manage.

With the latest development in Airblade technology, Dyson engineers have invented a hand dryer that doesn’t have to compromise — on speed, hygiene or sound. They achieved this by combining expertise in aerodynamics, acoustics and motors, to re-work the technology and refine airflow paths through the machine in order to reduce turbulence. Putting into practice Dyson’s philosophy of “doing more with less,” engineers created a machine that also costs 28% less to run compared to its predecessor and up to 98% less than paper towels (see Dyson’s Savings Calculator page), with a fast, hygienic dry time of 12 seconds.

30% quieter

Acoustic testing shows that the new Dyson Airblade V hand dryer is now 30% quieter than its predecessor. With acoustic engineers working collaboratively with other engineering teams at all stages of product development, Dyson says this has been achieved with:

  • Precision air apertures: the size of the slots where the air exits the machine have been reduced from 0.8mm to 0.5mm. This maintains air velocity while reducing turbulence.
  • Aerodynamic motor package: inside the motor a redesigned impeller and inner diffuser enable sound-optimized airflow paths through the motor.
  • Reprogrammed Dyson digital motor V4: precisely tuned to 1000W (compared to up to 1400W previously) to draw less air overall through the machine — reducing sound from turbulence, while maintaining a fast, hygienic drying time.
Certified by Quiet Mark

The Noise Abatement Society tested and approved the decibel levels and sound quality of the Dyson Airblade V hand dryer, awarding it the Quiet Mark. The Quiet Mark was developed in response to public health concerns over the psycho-physiological effects of excessive or invasive sound produced by appliances.

Ultra-hygienic hand dryer

Dyson Airblade hand dryers use HEPA filters that capture up to 99.97% of particles the size of bacteria and viruses as small as 0.3 microns from the washroom air. So, hands are dried in 12 seconds using cleaner air, not dirty air. The machine contains an antibacterial additive that can help prevent the growth of bacteria on its external surfaces.

The hand dryer has been proven to be as hygienic as paper towels through published research available through Dyson. Additionally, Dyson Airblade is the only hand dryer globally certified as hygienic by NSF.

Low running costs

Dyson Airblade hand dryers cost up to 80% less to run than some other hand dryers, and up to 98% less than paper towels. This machine costs just $31 per year to run, while paper towels can cost up to $1,460 annually, says the company; it dries 24 pairs of hands for the price of a single paper towel (see Dyson’s Savings Calculator page). And compared to the original Dyson Airblade V hand dryer, it costs 28% less to run.

Lower impact on the environment

Dyson Airblade hand dryers produce up to 79% less CO2 than some other hand dryers and up to 76% less than paper towels. This machine produces just 2.4g of CO2 per dry, compared to the previous Dyson Airblade V hand dryer at 3.5g of CO2 per dry.

Aesthetics and availability

With a slim, compact profile that protrudes just 4 inches from the wall, the Dyson Airblade V hand dryer takes up less space in the washroom, with no recessing required. Its easy-mount backplate allows for easy, self-service installation and maintenance.

The latest Dyson Airblade V hand dryer comes in white ($749) and sprayed nickel ($799) and is available for purchase now. All factory parts on Dyson Airblade hand dryers have a five-year limited warranty against original defects in materials and workmanship.

CSYS 4K task light by Dyson

Dyson also introduced the CSYS 4K task light, which it says provides powerful light precisely where you need it. The company points out that some conventional light-emitting diode (LED) task lights can fail to protect their LEDs from heat, which can damage the LEDs’ phosphorous coatings, degrading brightness.

CSYS 4K task light

Dyson Lighting’s CSYS task light uses heat pipe technology to direct heat away from its LEDs, sustaining brightness for up to 144,000 hours.

Dyson Lighting’s CSYS task lights use heat pipe technology to direct heat away from their LEDs, sustaining brightness for up to 144,000 hours.

Color temperatures

The CSYS task lights are available in two color temperatures:

  • 2700k CSYS task light: Powerful warm, white light output of 648 lux over 1 m2. It is suitable for reading in a relaxing space, and is ideal for creating a homey environment in hotel rooms or leisure environments.
  • The new, 4000k CSYS task light: Powerful cool, white light output of 808 lux over 1 m2. It is suitable for intricate tasks and working in environments such as offices, where high illumination and bright color are desired.

In both versions, heat pipe technology allows for eight high-power LEDs to be positioned just 8 mm apart, providing a powerful light output from a product with a slim, unobtrusive profile. And each LED is fixed in position and housed in a conical reflector to help reduce glare.

Dyson lists these key features:

  • Stays precisely where you need it: Some conventional lights rely on springs and pivots to stay in position, but these can weaken over time and cause the light to droop. CSYS task lights use a counterweight pulley system inspired by the construction crane; it uses gravity, not tension, to remain in position.
  • 3 Axis Glide motion: You can position the light exactly where you need with just the touch of a fingertip. The light moves vertically and horizontally along anti-friction bearings, and the weighted zinc alloy base rotates smoothly through 360°.
  • Precision dimming: Touch-sensitive, continuous dimming makes the light suitable for many tasks. Built-in memory recalls your most recent light level setting.
  • No bulbs to change or throw away: CSYS task lights use high-power LEDs that stay bright for up to 144,000 hours.
  • More energy efficient than some halogen task lights: Using high-power LEDs that stay bright for 144,000 hours, CSYS task lights use a fraction of the energy of some conventional desk lights.

Product details

In the collection there are two freestanding models, the CSYS desk light ($649) and the CSYS floor light ($899), as well as the CSYS clamp light ($649) that attaches directly to a desk or table. The lights are available in Black/Silver and Black/Black, and additionally the desk variant comes in White/Silver.

All models are available in the 2700K color temperature, while the desk and clamp models are available in the 4000K color temperature.

Heat pipe technology

A vacuum-sealed copper tube spans the arm of each CSYS task light. This tube contains a drop of water, which rests above the LEDs when cool. When the light is switched on, the heat generated by the LEDs turns the water inside the tube into vapor. This vapor begins moving along the tube due to the difference in pressure. As soon as the vapor reaches a cool area of the tube, it condenses back into water. The remaining heat energy is dissipated through the aluminum heat sink that forms the light’s horizontal arm. A copper wick draws the water back towards the LEDs via capillary action, and the cooling cycle begins again. This technology is typically found in satellites and microprocessors.

The importance of good lighting

Poor lighting can cause eyestrain and affect task performance, according to the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Combining suspended and task lighting can contribute to optimal visual conditions. Suspended lighting is used where it’s needed and not wasted across the whole space. Task lighting provides localized illumination for specific tasks. This combination can prevent over-lit spaces and can also significantly reduce energy costs.

As we age, the ability to accommodate to different light levels changes. By the time you are 65 years old, you need twice as much luminance on your task plane than you did when you were 25 years old, according to IES. Therefore, it is important to provide light suitable for different ages and tasks.

For more information visit the Dyson Web site or click on the product links above.