Spray humidification apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a spray humidification device for use in HVAC laboratories, comprising: a water storage chamber, a horizontally arranged open cavity for storing humidification water at a set level; and an atomizing module, a two-fluid nozzle including a water inlet, an air inlet, and a spray end. The water inlet of the two-fluid nozzle is inserted below the set water level in the water storage chamber, its air inlet is connected to compressed air and equipped with a regulating valve, and its spray end faces the humidification area. Using this humidification device, by setting a liquid level monitor in the water storage chamber and controlling the water level accordingly, the spray siphon height in the water storage chamber can be precisely maintained, improving the control accuracy and atomization effect of humidification. The axially distributed nozzle arrangement allows for expansion of the humidification volume and humidification area. By adding a water circulation system and a liquid constant-temperature heater, the humidifier is prevented from freezing at low temperatures, expanding the application temperature range of the humidifier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of humidifier technology, and more specifically, to spray humidification equipment. Background Technology

[0002] HVAC laboratories are primarily used for the research and quality inspection of products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and heat pump water heaters. By controlling the operating conditions within the laboratory, the operation of HVAC products under different temperature and humidity levels is simulated. Therefore, to ensure the accuracy of the experiments, the temperature control precision is typically ±0.1K, and the relative humidity is controlled within ±3%. Currently, the mainstream laboratory humidification solution uses a power controller to control the power of the electric heating rod within the humidifier, thereby controlling the evaporation rate of the humidifier's water tank to regulate the humidity within the laboratory. Electric humidifiers need to heat water to boiling and inject steam into the laboratory through humidification pipes. The steam condenses upon encountering cold air within the test chamber, releasing sensible heat, which requires the refrigeration equipment to simultaneously increase its cooling capacity to maintain the laboratory temperature, increasing energy consumption under certain conditions. To address these issues, isenthalpic spray humidification technology has been introduced into HVAC laboratories. This technology uses compressed air to atomize liquid into tiny droplets, which then rapidly evaporate to generate water vapor, thus adjusting the humidity within the HVAC laboratory. However, existing spray humidifiers typically only provide coarse humidification of the space, making precise humidity adjustment difficult. Furthermore, they are not suitable for low-temperature environments. Utility Model Content In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a spray humidification device to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0003] The above-mentioned technical objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a spray humidification device, applied in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning laboratory, comprising: a horizontally arranged open water storage chamber for storing humidification water at a set water level; an atomizing module being a two-fluid nozzle for atomizing the humidification water in the water storage chamber into tiny droplets, the nozzle including a water inlet end, an air inlet end, and a spray nozzle, the opening of the water inlet end being submerged below the water level in the water storage chamber for drawing in humidification water; the air inlet end being connected to compressed air, when the compressed air flows through the nozzle at high speed, it uses siphon effect to draw in the humidification water from the water storage chamber, mixes it, and sprays it out from the spray end to form tiny droplets; adjusting the flow rate of the compressed air can precisely control the amount of water absorbed, thereby precisely controlling the amount of humidification; the spray end of the nozzle faces the humidification area to ensure the humidification effect.

[0004] In one embodiment, the water storage chamber further includes a water level detection and water supply valve. The water level signal controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve to ensure that the liquid level in the water storage chamber is controlled during operation, maintain a constant siphon height, and ensure precise control of humidification and spray effect.

[0005] In one embodiment, the height of the nozzle's suction end is lower than the set liquid level in the water storage chamber to ensure a continuous supply of spray from the two-fluid nozzle; the spray end is higher than the set liquid level, and the height is no more than 15cm to ensure a constant siphon height and improve the spray control accuracy and spray effect.

[0006] In one embodiment, the number of atomizing modules is multiple; the atomizing modules are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the water storage cavity on the water storage cavity, and are used to expand the humidification capacity and humidification coverage range according to specific needs.

[0007] In one embodiment, the water storage chamber is provided with an inlet, an outlet, and an overflow outlet; the inlet is connected to the water supply module; the outlet is located at the bottom of the humidification chamber; and the overflow outlet is higher than the set liquid level of the water storage chamber.

[0008] In one embodiment, the inlet and outlet of the water storage chamber can be connected to a circulating water pump to form a water circulation. The first end of the water replenishment valve is connected to the circulation, and the second end is connected to the water supply point. Under low temperature conditions, the water circulation can maintain the fluidity of the liquid and prevent the liquid in the water storage chamber from freezing due to long-term stagnation. One end of the water replenishment valve is connected to the circulation, and the other end is connected to the water supply point.

[0009] In one embodiment, it further includes a liquid thermostatic heater, the first end of the circulation pump is connected to the water inlet after passing through the liquid thermostatic heater, which can prevent the liquid in the water storage chamber from freezing below the freezing point.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water storage cavity is specifically a straight structure, an L-shaped structure, or a U-shaped structure.

[0011] In summary, this invention offers the following advantages: By controlling the compressed air flow rate, it draws humidifying water from the storage chamber through a siphon effect, mixes it, and then sprays it onto the humidification area through the spray nozzle, achieving precise humidification control. By installing a liquid level monitor in the storage chamber and controlling the water level accordingly, the spray siphon height in the storage chamber can be precisely maintained, improving humidification control accuracy and atomization effect. The axially distributed nozzle arrangement expands the humidification capacity and humidification area. The addition of a water circulation system and a liquid constant-temperature heater ensures the humidifier does not freeze at low temperatures, expanding the humidifier's application temperature range. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline structure of the spray humidification equipment of this utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the internal structure of the first type of humidification device of this utility model; Figure 3This is an exploded view of the internal structure of the second type of humidification device of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline structure of this utility model, which includes a circulating pump and a heater. In the diagram, 1. Water storage chamber; 2. Atomizing module; 21. Atomizing nozzle; 22. Water suction pipe; 3. Pressure regulating unit; 42. First switch unit; 43. Water supply pipe; 431. First water supply sub-pipe; 432. Second water supply sub-pipe; 51. Second switch unit; 52. Drain pipe; 521. First drain sub-pipe; 522. Second drain sub-pipe; 6. Heater; 7. Water level monitoring module; 8. Balancing air port; 9. Overflow pipe; 10. Sight glass; 11. Sealing plate; 12. Water inlet; 13. Water outlet; 14. Overflow port; 15. Temperature monitoring unit; 16. Filter; 17. Circulation pump. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0014] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" of the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "above," "below," and similar expressions are for illustrative purposes only and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0016] Example 1 HVAC laboratories are primarily used for the research and quality inspection of products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and heat pump water heaters. By controlling the operating conditions within the laboratory, the operation of HVAC products under different temperature and humidity conditions is simulated. Therefore, to ensure the accuracy of the experiments, the temperature control precision is generally ±0.1K, and the relative humidity is controlled within ±3%. Currently, the mainstream laboratory humidification solution uses a power controller to control the power of the electric heating rod inside the humidifier, thereby controlling the evaporation rate of the humidifier's water tank to control the humidity within the laboratory. Electric humidifiers need to heat water to boiling and inject steam into the laboratory through humidification pipes. During this process, the steam condenses upon contact with the condenser, releasing heat and reducing efficiency. The refrigeration equipment also needs to increase its cooling capacity simultaneously to maintain the laboratory temperature, resulting in additional energy loss.

[0017] To avoid the impact of high-temperature steam on the temperature control of the laboratory, some laboratories employ two-fluid spray humidification equipment. Based on Bernoulli's principle, fluid pressure is high where flow velocity is high and low where flow velocity is low. Therefore, spray humidification equipment utilizes the principle that the velocity of compressed air increases abruptly after passing through a nozzle. Water and airflow are mixed and sprayed into the environment. The water is atomized into tiny droplets after passing through the nozzle, and these droplets, suspended in the air, rapidly vaporize to regulate the humidity of the laboratory. However, current spray humidifiers do not offer high precision in humidity adjustment; they only continuously spray water mist to increase humidity. For the humidity control precision required by HVAC laboratories, such control is clearly insufficient.

[0018] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a spray humidification device, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the humidification device of this application is applied to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning laboratory, including a horizontally arranged water storage chamber 1 for storing humidification water at a set level; and an atomization module 2 for atomizing the humidification water in the water storage chamber 1 into tiny droplets, which absorb heat and evaporate in the humidification space to increase the humidity of the humidification area.

[0019] The atomizing module 2 includes a two-fluid atomizing nozzle 21 at the top and a water suction pipe 22 at the bottom. The air inlet of the atomizing nozzle 21 is connected to compressed air, and the inlet end is connected to a regulating valve. The regulating valve can be adjusted proportionally or by PWM opening adjustment to precisely control the compressed air flow, thereby adjusting the water intake of the atomizing nozzle 21. The water inlet 12 of the atomizing nozzle 21 is connected to the first end of the water suction pipe 22. In order for the atomizing nozzle to draw liquid from the water storage chamber, the second end of the water suction pipe 22 is inserted into the water storage chamber, and the height of the second end of the water suction pipe needs to be lower than the liquid level in the water storage chamber to ensure that humidifying water can be continuously drawn from the water storage chamber.

[0020] For atomizing module 2, the water level in the water storage chamber 1 affects the spray volume. When the water level is low, the water adsorbed by negative pressure needs to rise a longer distance, thus reducing the water absorption and spray volume of atomizing module 2. Conversely, when the water level is high, the water adsorbed by negative pressure needs to rise a shorter distance, resulting in a larger spray volume. Therefore, precisely controlling the liquid level in the water storage chamber is crucial for controlling the spray volume.

[0021] To maintain the liquid level in the water storage chamber 1, a water level monitoring module 7, a water supply module, and a drainage module are also installed in the water storage chamber 1. The water level monitoring module monitors the water level of the humidifying water in the water storage chamber 1 and generates a water level monitoring signal; based on the water level monitoring signal, the liquid level in the water storage chamber can be determined. The water supply module responds to the water level monitoring signal and adds humidifying water to the water storage chamber 1 to maintain the liquid level. The water outlet discharges the humidifying water in the water storage chamber into the wastewater area. The water level monitoring module 7 can be an electrode-type water level monitor, a float switch, a capacitive water level monitor, etc.

[0022] Furthermore, this application also provides a specific structure for a spray humidification device, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the water storage chamber 1 is specifically a water storage chamber, with multiple atomizing modules 2 arranged axially along the water storage chamber. To ensure that the liquid level at each atomizing module 2 position in the water storage chamber remains consistent, the water storage chamber needs to be placed horizontally. The water storage chamber is equipped with a water inlet 12, which is connected to the water supply module. Water is delivered into the water storage chamber under the driving force of water pressure in the water pipe. To prevent the water level in the water storage chamber from becoming too high, an overflow outlet 14 is provided on the water storage chamber. The overflow outlet 14 is higher than the set liquid level to prevent overflow of humidifying water during normal use. The number of atomizing modules 2 can be adjusted according to humidity requirements to expand the humidification capacity and humidification area.

[0023] A water inlet 12 is provided on one side of the water storage chamber for connecting to the water supply module, and a water outlet 13 is provided on the other end. The water outlet 13 is located at the bottom of the water storage chamber and is flush with the bottom edge of the water storage chamber, which allows the water in the water storage chamber to be drained. By setting the water inlet 12 and the water outlet 13 at both ends, the water inlet and outlet can flow through all parts of the water storage chamber, avoiding the problem of freezing in stagnant water areas.

[0024] The water storage chamber is open and connected to the atmosphere, which can prevent changes in the internal pressure of the chamber from affecting the siphon effect or causing dripping when adding water or humidifying.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the water supply module includes a water supply pipe 43 and a first switch unit 42. The water storage chamber 1 is connected to the water source through the water supply pipe 43. The first switch unit 42 is installed on the water supply pipe 43 and is used to control the connection and disconnection between the water storage chamber and the water source. The drainage module includes a drainage pipe 52 and a second switch unit 51. The water storage chamber is connected to the wastewater area through the drainage pipe 52. The second switch unit 51 is installed on the drainage pipe 52 and is used to control the connection or disconnection of the drainage pipe 52. Specifically, the first switch unit 42 and the second switch unit 51 are valves, which can be solenoid valves, pneumatic valves, manual valves, etc.

[0026] like Figure 4As shown, when the laboratory is a low-temperature laboratory, its indoor temperature may be below 0℃. To prevent the humidifying water from freezing, it is necessary to heat the humidifying water in the storage chamber to maintain the temperature. Specifically, the equipment can continuously draw humidifying water from the water source and discharge the humidifying water from the storage chamber before it freezes, maintaining the water temperature in the storage chamber through water replacement. Furthermore, to avoid water waste caused by direct discharge of water from the storage chamber 1 into the wastewater area, the drain pipe 52 and the water supply pipe 43 can be connected to each other to achieve internal circulation of the humidifying water in the storage chamber 1. Specifically, taking the first switch unit 42 as the dividing point, the water supply pipe 43 is divided into a first water supply sub-pipe 431 and a second water supply sub-pipe 432 along the water supply direction. The part connected to the pure water device is the first water supply sub-pipe 431, and the part connected to the storage chamber 1 is the second water supply sub-pipe 432. Using the second switch unit 51 as the dividing point, the drain pipe 52 is divided into the first drain sub-pipe 521 and the second drain sub-pipe 522 along the drain direction. The part connected to the water storage chamber 1 is the first drain sub-pipe 521, and the part connected to the wastewater area is the second drain sub-pipe 522. After connecting the first drain sub-pipe 521 and the second water supply sub-pipe 432 to each other, and controlling the first switch unit 42 and the second switch unit 51 to turn off, the first drain sub-pipe 521 and the second water supply sub-pipe 432 form a circulation pipeline. The humidifying water in the water storage chamber 1 will circulate along the first drain sub-pipe 521 and the second water supply sub-pipe 432 and then return to the water storage chamber 1 to achieve circulation. By promoting the flow of liquid, the freezing speed of the humidifying water can be reduced. In addition, a filter 16, a circulation pump 17 and a liquid constant temperature heater 6 are also installed on the circulation pipeline. The filter is used to filter impurities in the water and extend the service life of the circulation pump. The circulation pump 17 draws humidifying water from the water storage chamber 1, heats it through the liquid constant temperature heater 6, and then sends it back to the water storage chamber 1, which can increase the temperature of the humidifying water in the water storage chamber 1 and prevent the humidifying water from freezing.

[0027] Besides the liquid level, factors affecting the spray volume of the atomizing module 2 include the pressure and flow rate supplied to the atomizing nozzle 21. When the air pressure or flow rate supplied to the atomizing nozzle 21 increases, the spray volume of the atomizing nozzle 21 increases; when the air pressure supplied to the atomizing nozzle 21 decreases, the spray volume of the atomizing nozzle 21 decreases. To maintain a stable spray volume, the air supply module needs to provide a continuous and stable supply of compressed air to the atomizing nozzle 21. Specifically, the air supply module includes an air compression unit and a pressure regulating unit 3. The output end of the air compression unit is connected to the input end of the pressure regulating unit 3; the output end of the pressure regulating unit 3 is connected to the first input end of the atomizing module 2; the air pressure output by the air compression unit needs to be adjusted by the pressure regulating unit 3 before being supplied to the spray nozzle. To achieve automatic control, the pressure regulating unit 3 is also connected to the control module. The pressure regulating unit 3 is used to adjust the output air pressure under the control of the control module. When the compressed air passes through the atomizing nozzle 21, it can carry the humidifying water in the water storage chamber and spray it out from the nozzle. Specifically, the pressure regulating unit 3 is a pressure proportional valve or a solenoid valve, and the air compression unit is an air compressor or a compressed air cylinder, which can provide compressed air and deliver the compressed air to the pressure proportional valve position through the air delivery pipe.

[0028] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the water storage chamber 1 can also be designed in other shapes, such as an L-shaped structure or a U-shaped structure, to adapt to the humidifier distribution needs of different HVAC laboratories.

[0029] Furthermore, a temperature monitoring unit 15 is included. This unit is located inside the water storage chamber 1 and is used to monitor the water temperature within the chamber. When the water temperature in the chamber is too low, it indicates that the heating module 6 may not be operating stably, thus requiring an immediate alarm to prevent the humidifying water in the chamber from freezing. The temperature monitoring unit 15 can specifically employ a platinum resistance temperature sensor, a thermocouple temperature sensor, or a semiconductor temperature sensor, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, an additional control module can be set up to automate the above process. The control module can be implemented using a microcontroller, MCU, or PID controller. The control module is communicatively connected to the pressure proportional valve, water level monitoring module 7, circulating pump, first switch unit 42, second switch unit 51, liquid constant temperature heater 6, and temperature monitoring module. In this way, the above process can be automate according to a predetermined program. The above control program can be implemented using existing programming techniques, which will not be elaborated in this application.

[0031] Furthermore, the exterior of the water storage chamber 1 is covered with insulation material (not shown in the figure). The insulation material can be insulation cotton to prevent heat from the water storage chamber 1 from being lost into the laboratory environment and affecting the temperature of the laboratory. It can also reduce the impact of low temperature environment on the water temperature in the water storage chamber 1.

[0032] In summary, the device of this application, by incorporating a water supply module and a drainage module, continuously circulates the humidifying water in the storage chamber, preventing it from freezing. Furthermore, the water supply module is equipped with a heating module to heat the humidifying water entering the storage chamber, raising its temperature and preventing freezing that could affect the humidification effect.

[0033] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A spray humidification device, used in HVAC laboratories, characterized in that, include: The water storage chamber is a horizontally arranged open cavity used to store humidification water at a set liquid level. The atomizing module is a two-fluid nozzle, including a water inlet, an air inlet, and a spray end. The water inlet of the two-fluid nozzle is inserted below the set water level in the water storage chamber, the air inlet is connected to compressed air, the air inlet is equipped with a regulating valve, and the spray end faces the humidification area.

2. The spray humidification apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The water storage chamber also includes a water level monitoring module and a water inlet, which is connected to a water supply valve.

3. The spray humidification apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The opening of the water-absorbing end is lower than the set liquid level in the water storage chamber, while the spray end is higher than the set liquid level.

4. The spray humidification apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The height difference between the spray tip and the set liquid level is less than 15cm.

5. The spray humidification apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The number of atomizing modules is multiple; the atomizing modules are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the water storage chamber.

6. The spray humidification apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The water storage chamber is provided with an inlet, an outlet and an overflow; the inlet is connected to the water supply module; the outlet is located at the bottom of the water storage chamber; and the overflow is higher than the set liquid level of the water storage chamber.

7. The spray humidification apparatus of claim 6, wherein, It also includes a circulation pump; the first end of the circulation pump is connected to the inlet, and the second end of the circulation pump is connected to the outlet.

8. The spray humidification apparatus of claim 7, wherein, Also includes: A liquid thermostatic heater is provided, and the first end of the circulating pump is connected to the water inlet after passing through the liquid thermostatic heater.

9. The spray humidification device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water storage cavity is specifically a straight structure, an L-shaped structure, or a U-shaped structure.

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