Air conditioning humidification system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of air conditioner humidification system, it is related to air conditioning equipment technical field, the air conditioner humidification system includes refrigeration cycle unit and heating type humidifier;Refrigeration cycle unit includes evaporator output pipe;Heating type humidifier includes humidifier water inlet pipe;Wherein, humidifier water inlet pipe and evaporator output pipe form heat exchange connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and in particular to an air conditioning humidification system. Background Technology

[0002] While air conditioning systems cool the air, they also remove moisture from the air, making the environment dry. Excessively dry air can easily generate static electricity, which can damage delicate electronic equipment. Therefore, it is standard practice to install humidifiers in air conditioning systems to maintain a suitable ambient humidity.

[0003] Currently, the humidifiers widely used in commercial and industrial sectors are mainly heating humidifiers, such as infrared humidifiers or electrode humidifiers. These humidifiers work by using electricity to heat water in a tank until it evaporates, producing steam to quickly and cleanly increase the humidity of the ambient air.

[0004] The existing water replenishment method has inherent technical flaws. Because the replenished room-temperature water (e.g., 15-25°C at room temperature) is directly injected into the operating high-temperature water tank, it mixes with the near-boiling-point hot water inside, causing a sudden and significant drop in the overall water temperature within the tank. To restore the humidifier to its effective steam-generating state, the system must consume additional energy and time to reheat the mixed, low-temperature water to its evaporation temperature. Each water replenishment cycle results in a prolonged pause in the humidification process, affecting the continuity and timeliness of humidity control, especially in situations requiring rapid response to humidity changes. The repeated cooling and reheating process consumes a significant amount of additional energy, reducing the overall energy efficiency of the air conditioning system and contradicting the trend towards energy conservation and environmental protection. Intermittent interruptions in the humidification process can lead to fluctuations in ambient humidity, interfering with the accurate measurement of the humidity sensor, and consequently causing frequent start-ups and shutdowns of the control system, affecting the stability and lifespan of the equipment.

[0005] Therefore, existing air conditioning humidification technology needs to be improved to overcome its shortcomings. Utility Model Content

[0006] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an air conditioning humidification system. This air conditioning humidification system forms a heat exchange connection between the humidifier water inlet pipe and the evaporator output pipe of the refrigeration cycle system, and uses the heat of the evaporator output pipe to preheat the humidifier water inlet pipe. This overcomes the problems in the prior art where adding room temperature water to a heating humidifier causes a drop in the overall water temperature of the water tank, resulting in slow humidification response, high energy consumption, and unstable control.

[0007] An air conditioning humidification system includes:

[0008] A refrigeration cycle unit, the refrigeration cycle unit including an evaporator output pipe;

[0009] A heated humidifier, wherein the heated humidifier includes a humidifier inlet pipe;

[0010] The humidifier inlet pipe and the evaporator outlet pipe are connected for heat exchange.

[0011] When an air conditioner is running in cooling mode, the gaseous refrigerant in the evaporator outlet pipe absorbs heat from the room and has a certain temperature (e.g., above 40°C). In traditional designs, this heat is usually directly carried back to the compressor and is not fully utilized. By setting the humidifier's inlet pipe and the evaporator outlet pipe as a heat exchange structure, this waste heat is used as a preheating source to preheat the ambient temperature (e.g., 20°C) makeup water entering the humidifier. Because the makeup water is raised to a higher temperature before entering the humidifier's water tank, the temperature difference between it and the high-temperature water in the tank is significantly reduced. Without adding any extra heating elements or energy consumption, the water temperature recovery time after makeup water replenishment is greatly shortened, thus significantly improving the humidifier's response speed, ensuring the continuity of the humidification process, and saving energy.

[0012] Furthermore, both the evaporator output pipe and the humidifier inlet pipe are made of thermally conductive material.

[0013] The efficiency of heat exchange directly depends on the thermal conductivity of the contact materials. By using materials with high thermal conductivity, the thermal resistance between the two pipes is effectively reduced, ensuring efficient and rapid heat transfer from the high-temperature refrigerant to the low-temperature makeup water. This ensures the achievement of preheating effects, maximizing heat exchange efficiency within a limited contact length and time, further enhancing the beneficial effects of improved response speed and energy saving.

[0014] Furthermore, both the evaporator output pipe and the humidifier inlet pipe are made of thermally conductive metal.

[0015] Metallic materials not only generally possess excellent thermal conductivity but also exhibit good mechanical strength, pressure resistance, and temperature resistance, making them mature and reliable application materials in air conditioning and piping systems. Using thermally conductive metals ensures both efficient heat transfer and the long-term stable and reliable operation of the entire heat exchange structure under the complex operating conditions of air conditioning systems, thus balancing performance and engineering practicality.

[0016] Furthermore, the thermally conductive metal is one of copper, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0017] Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, aluminum offers good thermal conductivity at a lower cost and lighter weight, while stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, effectively preventing waterway corrosion. Selecting these specific metal materials, based on different requirements for cost, performance, and service life, can provide the optimal overall performance for this heat exchange structure.

[0018] Furthermore, the heat exchange connection is implemented in the following way:

[0019] The humidifier inlet pipe and the evaporator outlet pipe are arranged side by side and attached to each other.

[0020] Heat exchange connections are achieved by fitting pipe walls side-by-side. This side-by-side structure requires no complex manufacturing processes; only simple layout adjustments are needed during pipe assembly, resulting in extremely low modification and production costs. It provides a connection method that is structurally simple, cost-effective, and easy to implement, greatly enhancing its practicality and scalability.

[0021] Furthermore, a heat-conducting medium is filled between the contact portion of the humidifier inlet pipe and the evaporator outlet pipe.

[0022] Even when two pipes are tightly fitted together, microscopic air gaps exist at their contact surfaces. Air is a poor conductor of heat, increasing contact thermal resistance and affecting heat exchange efficiency. Thermally conductive media (such as thermal grease) can effectively fill these gaps, expel air, and establish a more efficient heat conduction path. Without altering the simple mechanical structure, this significantly improves heat exchange efficiency, allowing the makeup water to be preheated to higher temperatures, further amplifying the benefits of energy saving and rapid response.

[0023] Furthermore, the heating humidifier is an infrared humidifier or an electrode humidifier.

[0024] These two types of humidifiers are the most commonly used in precision environments such as data centers and server rooms, and their efficiency and response speed are particularly sensitive to changes in water temperature.

[0025] Furthermore, a liquid level sensor is located inside the heating humidifier;

[0026] A solenoid valve is installed on the water inlet pipe of the humidifier and is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor.

[0027] The liquid level sensor is used to trigger the solenoid valve to open when it detects that the water level is lower than a preset value.

[0028] The system integrates a level sensor and a solenoid valve, establishing an electrical connection and control logic between them. The level sensor can monitor the water level in real time and accurately, while the solenoid valve can quickly and reliably open and close the water circuit. By linking the two, the system can automatically and promptly start water replenishment when the water level falls below a preset value.

[0029] Furthermore, a humidity detection sensor is used to detect ambient humidity;

[0030] The controller is electrically connected to the humidity detection sensor and the heating humidifier;

[0031] The controller is used to activate the heating humidifier when the humidity sensor detects that the ambient humidity is lower than a preset humidity value.

[0032] This system integrates a humidity sensor and controller, establishing a closed-loop control system based on ambient humidity. The humidity sensor provides real-time feedback on the environmental conditions, and the controller compares this feedback with preset target values ​​to determine whether to start or stop the humidifier. This enables the entire air conditioning humidification system to intelligently adjust according to actual environmental needs, achieving precise and automated control of ambient humidity and ensuring that the humidity in the controlled environment is always maintained within the optimal range.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0034] This invention provides an air conditioning humidification system that utilizes waste heat inherent in the refrigeration cycle by configuring the humidifier's inlet pipe and the evaporator's outlet pipe as a heat exchange structure. The heat carried by the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant in the evaporator outlet pipe is transferred to the low-temperature makeup water in the humidifier's inlet pipe, effectively preheating the makeup water before it enters the humidifier's water tank. This significantly reduces the temperature difference between the makeup water entering the high-temperature water tank and the hot water inside, avoiding the significant drop in overall tank temperature caused by injecting cold water in traditional methods. This invention shortens the reheating time after makeup water replenishment, improving the humidifier's response speed and operational continuity. Furthermore, since the preheating heat comes from the system's waste heat, no additional electrical energy is required, significantly reducing operating energy consumption and achieving energy savings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange connection between the evaporator output pipe and the humidifier inlet pipe provided in this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of the air conditioning humidification system provided in Embodiment 5 of this application.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 1. Compressor; 2. Four-way valve; 3. Condenser; 4. Electronic expansion valve; 5. Evaporator; 6. Humidifier; 7. Solenoid valve; 8. Temperature and humidity sensor; 9. Liquid level sensor; 10. Water tray; 101. Evaporator output pipe; 102. Humidifier inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] This embodiment provides an air conditioning humidification system, which includes:

[0042] A refrigeration cycle unit, the refrigeration cycle unit including an evaporator output pipe 101;

[0043] A heating humidifier, the heating humidifier including a humidifier inlet pipe 102;

[0044] The humidifier inlet pipe 102 and the evaporator outlet pipe 101 are connected for heat exchange.

[0045] The refrigeration cycle unit is the foundation of the refrigeration function of an air conditioning system. Its role is to transfer heat through the phase change cycle of the refrigerant. This refrigeration cycle unit includes four standard components: compressor, condenser, electronic expansion valve, and evaporator. The evaporator output pipe 101 is connected to the evaporator outlet, and the refrigerant flowing inside it has completed its heat absorption in the room and has evaporated from a liquid state to a gaseous state.

[0046] A heated humidifier is a device that increases the humidity of an environment by consuming electrical energy to heat water to boiling and generate steam. The heated humidifier includes a water tank for holding water and one or more heating elements. To achieve automatic water replenishment, a humidifier inlet pipe 102 is connected to the heated humidifier, which is responsible for delivering ambient temperature water from outside to the water tank.

[0047] In this embodiment, the heat exchange connection is not an independent component, but rather refers to a specific physical arrangement. In this embodiment, the heat exchange connection means selecting a section of the evaporator output pipe 101 in the refrigeration cycle unit and the humidifier inlet pipe 102 of the heating humidifier on their respective pipe paths to form a heat exchange connection between these two sections. Utilizing the waste heat generated during the operation of the air conditioning system itself, the cold water about to enter the heating humidifier is preheated in a way that consumes no additional energy. Even when the humidifier is not triggered to replenish water, but the air conditioning refrigeration unit is still running, the stagnant water in the section of the humidifier inlet pipe 102 that forms the heat exchange connection with the evaporator output pipe 101 will be continuously heated.

[0048] Heat exchange connections can be achieved in the following ways:

[0049] 1. Spiral winding connection

[0050] One of the pipes (which can be a humidifier inlet pipe 102 with a smaller diameter and better flexibility) is tightly and spirally wound around the outer wall of another pipe (which can be an evaporator outlet pipe 101 with a larger diameter and a relatively fixed position) like a spring.

[0051] During assembly, the reserved length of the humidifier inlet pipe 102 is wound around the evaporator outlet pipe 101 with a certain pitch and tension in the section where heat exchange is required. To ensure tight contact, metal clamps or high-temperature resistant cable ties can be used to secure both ends after winding.

[0052] Compared to side-by-side bonding (theoretically line contact), spiral winding is surface contact. Within the same straight-line distance, the actual contact length of the wound pipe can be increased several times, significantly increasing the total heat exchange area.

[0053] The water flowing through the spiral pipe has a longer path, which means that the water stays in the heat exchange section for a longer time, allowing more time for heat to be transferred from the high-temperature pipe to the water.

[0054] Due to the increased contact area and time, the heat exchange efficiency of spiral winding connection is much higher than that of simple side-by-side bonding, which enables the makeup water to be preheated to a higher temperature.

[0055] 2. Coaxial sleeve connection

[0056] One pipe is placed inside another pipe with a larger outer diameter, forming a concentric pipe structure with inner and outer layers. Heat exchange occurs between the fluids flowing between the outer wall of the inner pipe and the inner wall of the outer pipe.

[0057] A custom-designed piping system is required. For example, the evaporator outlet pipe 101 can be used as the inner pipe, and the humidifier inlet pipe 102 can be designed as an annular outer pipe. Makeup water flows within the annular space of the outer pipe, while the high-temperature refrigerant flows in the central inner pipe. The introduction and export of both fluids are achieved through seals at both ends and branch lines.

[0058] The inner tube is completely surrounded by the fluid in the outer tube, achieving omnidirectional heat exchange without dead angles, minimizing heat transfer paths and heat loss. Compared to wound structures, coaxial sleeves are more compact in radial dimensions, occupying less space and suitable for installation inside air conditioning units with limited space. They can achieve very ideal preheating effects. However, the manufacturing and installation processes are relatively complex, resulting in higher costs and requiring specially designed connectors.

[0059] 3. Heat conduction block connection

[0060] The connection is achieved indirectly through a third-party solid block with high thermal conductivity, acting as a thermal bridge. A metal block with high thermal conductivity (e.g., a solid aluminum or copper block) is manufactured. Two semi-circular grooves or through-holes, matching the outer diameter of the pipes, are drilled in parallel on this metal block. During assembly, the evaporator outlet pipe 101 and the humidifier inlet pipe 102 are tightly fitted into or pass through these two grooves / through-holes, respectively. To ensure optimal contact, thermal grease can be applied between the pipes and the block.

[0061] The two pipes do not need to be strictly parallel or adjacent, as long as they can make good contact with the heat-conducting block, providing greater flexibility for complex piping layouts within the unit. The solid block has stable heat transfer performance and is not easily affected by factors such as vibration. By selecting a sufficiently large block cross-section, unobstructed heat conduction pathways can be ensured. Compared to winding and sleeved connections, this modular connection method is more convenient for installation and disassembly.

[0062] In air conditioning cooling mode, the gaseous refrigerant flowing through the evaporator output pipe 101 absorbs heat from the room, making its temperature much higher than that of the room-temperature replenishment water, but not reaching the high temperature of the compressor outlet. This makes it an ideal, mild, and stable medium-temperature heat source. In traditional designs, this heat is not utilized but is directly carried back to the compressor for compression. The efficiency and response speed of a heating humidifier are extremely sensitive to the water temperature in its tank. Directly injecting room-temperature cold water causes a significant drop in the overall tank temperature, requiring the heating element to operate at full power for a long time to raise the water temperature back to boiling point. This process is the root cause of sluggish response and energy waste. By constructing the aforementioned heat exchange connection, a shortcut for heat transfer is created. When the evaporator output pipe 101 and the humidifier inlet pipe 102 are in close contact, heat follows the laws of thermodynamics, automatically and continuously transferring from the higher-temperature evaporator output pipe 101 to the lower-temperature humidifier inlet pipe 102, thus pre-raising its temperature before the replenishment water reaches the tank.

[0063] When the water level in the heated humidifier is sufficient and no additional water is needed, there is a static column of water in the humidifier's inlet pipe 102. As long as the air conditioner's refrigeration cycle unit is working, the evaporator output pipe 101 will continuously output refrigerant carrying heat, and its pipe wall will maintain a relatively high temperature (e.g., around 40°C). Due to the presence of the heat exchange connection, heat will be continuously conducted from the evaporator output pipe 101 to the humidifier's inlet pipe 102. The static water in the pipe will act as a heat sink, continuously absorbing heat, and its temperature will gradually rise until it reaches a thermal equilibrium state close to the temperature of the evaporator output pipe 101's pipe wall.

[0064] The system's workflow can be divided into two main stages: a standby passive preheating stage and an active water replenishment preheating stage. The synergistic effect of these two stages enables the rapid response capability of this invention.

[0065] Phase 1: Standby Passive Warm-up Phase

[0066] This stage occurs when the air conditioner's refrigeration cycle unit is running, but the water level inside the heating humidifier is sufficient and there is no need to add water immediately.

[0067] The refrigeration cycle unit of the air conditioning unit operates stably. The medium-temperature gaseous refrigerant that has absorbed indoor heat continues to flow through the evaporator output pipe 101, keeping the pipe wall at a stable high temperature (e.g., above 40°C).

[0068] The pipe is filled with still water. Due to the heat exchange connection between the humidifier inlet pipe 102 and the evaporator outlet pipe 101, heat is continuously and passively conducted from the high-temperature evaporator outlet pipe 101 to the low-temperature humidifier inlet pipe 102 through the contact of the pipe walls.

[0069] As time goes by, the static water column inside the humidifier's inlet pipe 102, acting as a heat sink, continuously absorbs heat, and its temperature gradually rises until it reaches a thermal equilibrium state close to the temperature of the evaporator's outlet pipe 101. Before the water replenishment process occurs, the system has already stored a preheated section of warm water, preparing for the upcoming water replenishment.

[0070] Phase Two: Active Water Replenishment and Preheating Phase

[0071] During this stage, the water level in the heating humidifier drops due to water evaporation, triggering a water replenishment process.

[0072] The first stream of warm water, passively preheated within the pipe, minimizes the thermal shock to the existing high-temperature water in the tank, providing an excellent buffering effect.

[0073] Room temperature makeup water from an external water source begins to flow through the humidifier inlet pipe 102. As the water flows through the pipe section that forms a heat exchange connection with the evaporator outlet pipe 101, the system enters a dynamic heat exchange process. As the water flows forward, it continuously absorbs heat from the evaporator outlet pipe 101, and its temperature is preheated before reaching the water tank.

[0074] The water replenishment process ends when the water level returns to the preset high level. Throughout the entire replenishment process, the water entering the tank is always preheated warm water.

[0075] The air conditioning humidification system provided in this embodiment achieves efficient preheating of the replenishing water through the two stages described above. Unlike existing technologies where direct injection of cold water causes a sharp drop in water tank temperature, the air conditioning humidification system in this embodiment allows for only a slight and gradual decrease in the overall water temperature within the tank. Therefore, the heating element of the heating-type humidifier requires only a short reheating time or minimal power compensation to restore the water temperature to an effective evaporation temperature, thus ensuring almost uninterrupted humidification. This shortens the humidifier's response time, improves the continuity and stability of humidity control, and significantly reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

[0076] Example 2

[0077] This embodiment is an important optimization and specific limitation on the material properties of key components of the air conditioning humidification system disclosed in Embodiment 1. The core of this embodiment lies in proposing clear technical requirements for the manufacturing materials of the two core pipes constituting the heat exchange connection: the evaporator output pipe 101 and the humidifier inlet pipe 102.

[0078] In this embodiment, in order to achieve efficient heat transfer, the part of the evaporator output pipe 101 that forms the heat exchange connection and the part of the humidifier inlet pipe 102 are both made of thermally conductive material.

[0079] To further ensure heat exchange performance, this embodiment preferably uses a thermally conductive metal as the thermally conductive material. This is because metallic materials generally have excellent thermal conductivity, providing a low-resistance path for heat to flow between the two pipes.

[0080] Specifically, this embodiment lists three thermally conductive metals that are excellent in industrial applications and readily available as the best choices: one or a combination of copper, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0081] The effectiveness of a heat exchange connection directly depends on the physical properties of the material itself, namely its thermal conductivity. The efficiency of heat transfer is the key factor determining the preheating effect. If a material with poor thermal conductivity (such as ordinary plastic pipes) is used, even if two pipes are tightly fitted together, a huge thermal resistance will form between them, preventing most of the heat from being effectively transferred, thus rendering the heat exchange connection design ineffective. Conversely, by using thermally conductive metals with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, it can be ensured that heat can be rapidly and abundantly conducted from the wall of the evaporator output pipe 101 to the wall of the humidifier inlet pipe 102, thereby heating the water inside the pipe and maximizing the preheating effect.

[0082] The specific material range is limited to copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, which is the result of comprehensive consideration of performance, cost, and reliability.

[0083] Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, making it the preferred material for those seeking the highest heat exchange efficiency.

[0084] Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity and is lower in cost and lighter in weight than copper, making it a cost-effective option for the system.

[0085] Although stainless steel has slightly lower thermal conductivity than copper and aluminum, it has excellent corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength, which can effectively resist the rust problems that may occur during long-term operation of water circuits, ensuring the long-term stability of the system and the quality of the replenishment water. It is particularly suitable for application scenarios with extremely high reliability requirements.

[0086] When designing and fabricating the piping system, it is necessary to select heat-conducting metal pipes that meet the above requirements for the evaporator output pipe 101 and the humidifier inlet pipe 102. In practice, it should be ensured that both pipes use the selected heat-conducting metal in the physical sections designed to form heat exchange connections. For example, copper pipes with appropriate outer diameter and wall thickness can be selected and fabricated into parts of the evaporator output pipe 101 and the humidifier inlet pipe 102, respectively, and then these two sections of copper pipes can be installed and fixed on the assembly line.

[0087] In addition to using a single thermally conductive metal material, it can also be implemented in the following ways:

[0088] 1. Combination of dissimilar metals:

[0089] The evaporator output pipe 101 and the humidifier inlet pipe 102 do not need to be made of the same metal. For example, copper, which has the best thermal conductivity, can be used to make the evaporator output pipe 101 to maximize heat output, while stainless steel, which is highly corrosion-resistant and inexpensive, can be used to make the humidifier inlet pipe 102 to ensure the safety and durability of the water circuit. This combination can achieve an ideal balance between performance and lifespan.

[0090] 2. Localized material reinforcement:

[0091] It is not necessary for both pipes to be made of expensive thermally conductive metal along their entire length. A more economical approach is to use thermally conductive metal tubing only in the core sections where heat exchange connections are required, while the rest of the pipes can be connected to pipes made of ordinary steel or polymer materials using reliable fittings (such as brazing or compression fittings). This significantly reduces overall material costs without sacrificing core functionality.

[0092] 3. Composite material pipes:

[0093] Composite pipes can be used, for example, by bonding a layer of highly thermally conductive metal (such as a copper or aluminum layer) to the outer or inner wall of an ordinary steel pipe. In this way, the main body of the pipe is made of inexpensive materials that provide structural strength, while the surface responsible for heat exchange is covered with a highly efficient thermally conductive material, thus achieving the same goal of efficient heat exchange.

[0094] In a more preferred embodiment, the humidifier inlet pipe 102 is a composite pipe with two different functional sections, including a heat exchange section and a transport section.

[0095] The heat exchange section refers to the part of the humidifier's inlet pipe 102 that directly forms a heat exchange connection with the evaporator outlet pipe 101. This section must be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, preferably a thermally conductive metal such as copper or aluminum. Its sole function is to act as a bridge for heat transfer, absorbing and transferring the heat from the evaporator outlet pipe 101 to the water inside the pipe with the highest possible efficiency and the fastest possible speed.

[0096] The transport section refers to the remaining portion of the humidifier's inlet pipe 102, excluding the heat exchange section. It may include only the portion of the pipe immediately following the heat exchange section up to the inlet of the heated humidifier's water tank, or the portion connecting the heat exchange section to the water source. This section must be made of thermal insulation material. Common thermal insulation materials include cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (PPR), and other engineering plastic pipes. Its sole function is to act as a heat transport channel, dissipating heat outwards with the lowest possible efficiency to maintain the temperature of the heated water.

[0097] Using high thermal conductivity materials in the heat exchange section ensures efficient heat transfer. The use of expensive, highly thermally conductive materials (such as copper) is limited to core areas where they are truly needed. After preheating in the heat exchange section, the water's temperature is already higher than the ambient temperature inside the air conditioning unit as it flows to the heated humidifier. If the pipes in the delivery section are still made of highly thermally conductive metal, this hard-won heat will be continuously lost to the surrounding cooler air through the pipe walls during transport, resulting in secondary energy waste. By replacing the delivery section with an insulating material, the low thermal conductivity of which forms an effective thermal barrier, significantly reducing heat loss. This ensures that the water is heated quickly and thoroughly in the heat exchange section, and that the heat is maximized in the delivery section. As a result, the water temperature arriving at the inlet of the heated humidifier's water tank most accurately reflects the preheating effect, thereby maximizing the overall efficiency of the preheating system.

[0098] Example 3

[0099] Based on the air conditioning humidification system disclosed in Example 1, this embodiment provides a more in-depth and detailed explanation of the specific physical structure and implementation method of the key technical feature of heat exchange connection.

[0100] In this embodiment, the humidifier inlet pipe 102 and the evaporator outlet pipe 101 are arranged side-by-side and fitted together. Specifically, in the internal piping layout of the air conditioning system, a section of the evaporator outlet pipe 101 and a section of the humidifier inlet pipe 102 are placed along their lengths like two chopsticks side by side, with their outer walls in contact with each other. Mechanical fixing devices, such as clamps, brackets, or high-temperature resistant straps, ensure that these two pipes maintain a stable and tight physical fit during system operation.

[0101] Furthermore, a thermally conductive medium can be filled between the contact portion of the humidifier inlet pipe 102 and the evaporator outlet pipe. This solution adds a crucial auxiliary material to the aforementioned side-by-side bonding arrangement. The thermally conductive medium is a paste-like or gasket-like material with a thermal conductivity far exceeding that of air, such as common thermal grease. Before bonding and fixing the two pipes together, this thermally conductive medium is evenly applied to the surface of the pipe walls where they will come into contact.

[0102] The side-by-side fitting arrangement does not require the manufacture of any special, non-standard pipe fittings or heat exchangers. It is simply achieved by changing the spatial layout of two existing standard pipes and adding simple fasteners. This adds almost no additional process complexity or manufacturing cost to the production line, enabling the technical solution of this invention to be widely applied and promoted at extremely low cost, and possessing extremely high engineering practical value.

[0103] The purpose of filling with a thermally conductive medium is to overcome contact thermal resistance. At a microscopic level, even if two metal surfaces are polished very smooth and pressed tightly together, they only come into contact at countless tiny protrusions. Between these contact points exist numerous tiny gaps filled with air. Since air is a poor conductor of heat (its thermal conductivity is extremely low), these air gaps constitute a significant obstacle to heat transfer—contact thermal resistance. By filling with a thermally conductive medium, this highly thermally conductive paste can penetrate and fill all these microscopic gaps, displacing the air that acts as a thermal barrier, thereby establishing a continuous and efficient heat conduction path between the two pipe walls. This significantly reduces contact thermal resistance, allowing more heat to be transferred from the evaporator outlet pipe 101 to the humidifier inlet pipe 102 more quickly, thus greatly improving the preheating effect without altering the mechanical structure.

[0104] In the actual assembly process of the air conditioning humidification system, the specific steps to achieve the structure described in this embodiment are as follows:

[0105] On the assembly line, according to the design drawings, the evaporator output pipe 101 and the humidifier inlet pipe 102 are arranged in predetermined positions so that the sections where heat exchange is required are parallel and adjacent to each other.

[0106] Take an appropriate amount of thermally conductive medium (such as thermal grease) and use a scraper or automated equipment to apply a thin and uniform layer of the medium to the contact surface of one or two pipes.

[0107] Press the two pipes together, ensuring their walls are in tight contact. Then, use several clamps or other fasteners to lock them at points along the length of the contact section. The tightening pressure will cause the heat transfer medium to spread evenly and fill all gaps, while ensuring that the two pipes maintain a firm fit even under vibration and other conditions during long-term operation of the equipment.

[0108] Besides the side-by-side bonding structure detailed in this embodiment, heat exchange connections can also be achieved in various other ways to adapt to different spatial layouts, cost budgets, and performance requirements. In applications with extremely high performance and reliability requirements, the contact surfaces of the two pipes can be metallurgically bonded by brazing or welding. This method can completely eliminate contact thermal resistance and achieve optimal heat transfer efficiency, but correspondingly, the manufacturing cost is also the highest.

[0109] Example 4

[0110] Based on the air conditioning humidification system described in Example 1, this embodiment further clarifies and elaborates on the specific type of heating humidifier, aiming to illustrate the outstanding advantages of the present invention in specific application scenarios.

[0111] In this embodiment, the heating humidifier is specifically an electrode humidifier.

[0112] Electrode humidifiers are a common type of industrial humidification equipment. Their working principle does not involve heating water through an external heat source (such as a heating element), but rather cleverly utilizes the conductivity of water itself. The core of their structure consists of several electrodes immersed inside a water tank. When the system is operating, a voltage is applied between these electrodes, and current is conducted directly through the water. Because water has inherent resistance, according to Joule's law, the current flowing through the water generates heat, directly heating the water to boiling, thus producing clean steam. The humidification output is typically controlled by adjusting the area of ​​the electrodes immersed in the water (i.e., adjusting the water level) or by controlling the current magnitude.

[0113] Electrode-type humidifiers were chosen as the focus of this embodiment because this type of heating humidifier exhibits extremely high sensitivity to changes in water temperature and quality (especially conductivity), which dramatically amplifies the drawbacks of traditional water replenishment methods.

[0114] The steam production efficiency of electrode-type humidifiers directly depends on whether the water is boiling. When a large amount of room-temperature makeup water is injected into its tank, the overall water temperature drops rapidly, moving away from the boiling point. This causes the heat generated when the current passes through the water to be used only to raise the macroscopic temperature of the water for a considerable period of time, rather than to generate steam, thus completely interrupting the humidification process. This standstill period is typically longer and the response is slower compared to other types of humidifiers.

[0115] Electrode humidifier controllers need to precisely adjust the current based on the water's conductivity to achieve stable steam output. Water conductivity varies with temperature, and the mineral content and conductivity of freshly added water differ from the condensed water in the tank. A sudden injection of a large amount of cold water can cause drastic fluctuations in water temperature and conductivity, easily leading to misjudgments by the control system, resulting in excessive or insufficient current, unstable humidification output, or even malfunction.

[0116] In the air conditioning humidification system of this embodiment, the humidifier inlet pipe 102 and the evaporator output pipe 101 of the refrigeration cycle unit are connected by a heat exchange connection as described in Embodiment 1.

[0117] Its specific working process is as follows:

[0118] When the control system of the electrode humidifier triggers a water replenishment command due to a drop in water level, the replenished water is preheated by the evaporator output pipe 101 as it flows through the humidifier inlet pipe 102. This preheated warm water then enters the water tank of the electrode humidifier, resulting in a gentle and gradual effect.

[0119] Because warm water, rather than cold water, is used, the overall temperature of the water tank drops only slightly, remaining close to the boiling point. This allows the electrodes to continuously generate heat for vaporization, ensuring a continuous and stable output of steam and significantly shortening the response time.

[0120] The injection of warm water makes the mixing process of new and old water smoother, avoiding sudden changes in conductivity caused by drastic changes in temperature and concentration. This helps the control system to more accurately adjust the operating current and maintain stable humidification efficiency.

[0121] More broadly, this technical solution is applicable to any type of heating humidifier that relies on maintaining the water in the tank at a high temperature or boiling state to operate. For example, humidifiers using immersion heating elements also face the problem of heating interruption caused by cold water impact. Therefore, these humidifiers with different specific structures can all serve as alternatives to the electrode-type humidifier in this embodiment and achieve similar technical benefits.

[0122] Example 5

[0123] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment, based on the air conditioning humidification system described in Embodiment 1, further integrates a complete automated control system. This provides a complete solution for the autonomous operation and intelligent adjustment of the air conditioning humidification system.

[0124] The air conditioning humidification system of this embodiment includes a refrigeration cycle unit consisting of a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, a condenser 3, an electronic expansion valve 4, and an evaporator 5, a heating humidifier 6, and a heat exchange connection between the two through an evaporator output pipe 101 and a humidifier inlet pipe 102. In addition, two core automatic control loops are added: an automatic water level control loop and an ambient humidity closed-loop control loop.

[0125] like Figure 2 As shown, the automatic water level control circuit consists of a liquid level sensor 9 installed inside the heating humidifier 6 and a solenoid valve 7 installed on the humidifier inlet pipe 102.

[0126] The function of the liquid level sensor 9 is to measure the water level in the internal water tank of the heating humidifier 6 in real time and with high accuracy.

[0127] The function of the solenoid valve 7 is as a valve controlled by an electrical signal. It is installed on the humidifier inlet pipe 102, which is drawn from the water source, and is used to precisely open or close the water supply path.

[0128] An electrical connection is established between these two components, forming a subsystem that can self-regulate the water level, ensuring that the heating humidifier 6 never runs out of water during operation.

[0129] The closed-loop control loop for ambient humidity consists of a humidity detection sensor 8 and a central controller.

[0130] The humidity sensor 8 is installed in the target environment where humidity control is required (such as the air return vent of a computer room) and its function is to continuously monitor the relative humidity of the ambient air.

[0131] The controller can be a microprocessor (MCU) or a programmable logic controller (PLC). The controller is electrically connected to the humidity detection sensor 8 to receive environmental data, and is also electrically connected to the power control module of the heating humidifier 6 to issue start or stop commands.

[0132] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioning humidification system in this embodiment also includes an additional water tray 10, employing a dual water source design. The external water source is a stable external water source (such as municipal tap water) connected to the system via pipelines, serving as the primary supplementary water source. The internal water source is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, a drip tray 10 is installed inside the system, particularly below the evaporator 5. Its function is to collect the condensate that forms on the surface of the evaporator 5 during the refrigeration cycle, caused by the condensation of warm, humid air in the air.

[0133] The water supply system of the heated humidifier 6 is designed to draw water from both an external water source and the water tray 10. This can be achieved through a three-way valve or two independent valves controlled by a controller. The system prioritizes using the condensate collected in the water tray 10. Only when the water level in the water tray 10 is insufficient will the system switch to the external water source for replenishment. This design not only conserves water resources but also effectively slows down the rate of scale formation inside the heated humidifier 6, extending the equipment's lifespan, because the condensate is high-purity distilled water.

[0134] In actual operation, these two control loops work together, and their complete automated workflow is as follows:

[0135] Step S1, System Initialization:

[0136] After the air conditioning humidification system is powered on, the controller is activated and reads the user-preset target humidity value (for example, set to 55% relative humidity).

[0137] Step S2, Environmental Monitoring and Decision Making:

[0138] Humidity sensor 8 continuously measures the ambient humidity and sends the real-time data to the controller. The controller compares the received real-time humidity value with a preset target humidity value. If the real-time humidity is lower than the preset value, the controller determines that humidification is needed and outputs a start signal to the heating humidifier 6. If the real-time humidity is equal to or higher than the preset value, the controller determines that humidification is not needed and keeps the heating humidifier 6 in standby or off state.

[0139] Step S3, Humidification and Water Level Monitoring:

[0140] After the heating humidifier 6 is activated by the controller and begins operation, the water in its tank will be continuously consumed due to evaporation. The liquid level sensor 9 installed in the water tank monitors the water level drop process in real time.

[0141] Step S4, Automatic Water Replenishment Trigger and Execution:

[0142] When the level sensor 9 detects that the water level has dropped to a preset low water level threshold, it will automatically output an electrical signal. This signal is transmitted directly or through the controller to the solenoid valve 7 installed on the humidifier inlet pipe 102, triggering the solenoid valve 7 to switch from the closed state to the open state.

[0143] Step S5, Preheating and Water Replenishment and Water Level Restoration:

[0144] After the solenoid valve 7 is opened, the replenishing water from the water source begins to flow through the humidifier inlet pipe 102, and is preheated by heat exchange with the evaporator outlet pipe 101, and then injected into the heating humidifier 6. As warm water is continuously injected, the water level in the water tank begins to rise.

[0145] Step S6, Stop hydration:

[0146] The level sensor 9 continues to monitor the water level as it rises. When the water level reaches a preset high water level threshold, the level sensor 9 outputs another electrical signal, triggering the solenoid valve 7 to close, thereby precisely stopping the water replenishment.

[0147] The entire process forms a complete closed loop. The controller decides whether to humidify based on the data from the humidity sensor 8, while the water level control loop, composed of the liquid level sensor 9 and the solenoid valve 7, autonomously ensures sufficient water supply during the humidification process.

[0148] In this embodiment, water level control can be achieved through a direct hardwired connection between the level sensor 9 and the solenoid valve 7. In more advanced systems, the signal from the level sensor 9 can also be sent to a central controller, whose software logic determines when to open or close the solenoid valve 7. This approach allows for more complex control strategies, such as delayed water replenishment, fault diagnosis, and alarms.

[0149] The liquid level sensor 9 can be a low-cost float switch type, or a more accurate, wear-free conductivity, ultrasonic, or capacitive sensor. The humidity detection sensor 8 can also be selected from different grades of polymer mass-sensitive resistors or capacitive sensors, depending on the accuracy requirements.

[0150] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. Any specific values ​​in all examples shown and discussed herein should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0151] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" is merely for ease of distinction, and unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0152] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An air conditioning humidification system, characterized in that, include: A refrigeration cycle unit, the refrigeration cycle unit including an evaporator output pipe (101); A heated humidifier, the heated humidifier including a humidifier inlet pipe (102); The humidifier inlet pipe (102) and the evaporator outlet pipe (101) are connected in a heat exchange connection.

2. The air conditioning humidification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the evaporator output pipe (101) and the humidifier inlet pipe (102) are made of thermally conductive material.

3. The air conditioning humidification system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the evaporator output pipe (101) and the humidifier inlet pipe (102) are made of thermally conductive metal.

4. The air conditioning humidification system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thermally conductive metal is one of copper, aluminum, and stainless steel.

5. The air conditioning humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The heat exchange connection is achieved in the following way: The humidifier inlet pipe (102) and the evaporator outlet pipe (101) are arranged side by side and attached to each other.

6. The air conditioning humidification system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The contact portion between the humidifier inlet pipe (102) and the evaporator outlet pipe (101) is filled with a heat-conducting medium.

7. The air conditioning humidification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating type humidifier is either an infrared humidifier or an electrode humidifier.

8. The air conditioning humidification system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning humidification system also includes: A liquid level sensor (9) is installed inside the heating humidifier; A solenoid valve (7) is installed on the humidifier inlet pipe (102) and is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor (9); The liquid level sensor (9) is used to trigger the solenoid valve (7) to open when the water level is detected to be lower than a preset value.

9. The air conditioning humidification system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning humidification system also includes: Humidity sensor used to detect ambient humidity; The controller is electrically connected to the humidity detection sensor and the heating humidifier; The controller is used to activate the heating humidifier when the humidity sensor detects that the ambient humidity is lower than a preset humidity value.

Images