Isothermal humidification system with modular humidifier devices designed to be installed in an air treatment unit

Abstract

An isothermal humidification system configured to generate steam in an air treatment unit (1) in order to humidify the air (AR) to treat. The isothermal humidification system (7) comprises modular humidifier devices (8) each comprising an electro-hydraulic humidifier module (9) which is configured to be stably arranged in, but easily removable from, a compartment (5) of the air treatment unit (1) and is provided with a box-shaped body (11) configured to contain water, and steam-generating electrical elements (26a) which are arranged in the box-shaped body (11) in order to be immersed in water and are configured to be powered by an electrical magnitude to generate steam for humidifying the air (AR), and electronic control modules (27), which are configured to selectively control the electro-hydraulic humidifier modules (9) in order to selectively regulate / vary the electrical magnitudes supplied to the steam-generating electrical elements (26a) based on the predetermined humidity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102024000008377 filed on April 12, 2024 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to an isothermal humidification system with modular humidifier devices, structured in such a way as to be installed in an air treatment unit.

[0003] More specifically, this invention relates to an isothermal humidification system equipped with a series of modular humidifier devices that are configured to be selectively controlled so as to generate / produce steam in an adjustable / variable manner in the air treatment unit.

[0004] As is known, air treatment units are devices generally configured to perform the traditional functions of air conditioning and heating, etc.

[0005] Some air treatment units also have the option of implementing a controlled humidification function for the treated air.

[0006] For this purpose, humidification systems are generally installed in such air treatment units. These systems are configured in such a way as to generate steam to ensure that the humidity in the treated air, which is to be supplied to an outdoor environment, meets certain conditions.

[0007] The Applicant found the currently known humidification systems have some critical technical issues.

[0008] A first critical issue is the fact that current systems provide a "quantity of steam", that is, they are characterised by a predetermined maximum nominal "steam output". This constraint is very limiting in today's systems in that it severely reduces the system's application possibilities, that is, it excludes the possibility of installing it in air treatment units designed to operate with steam outputs higher than the predetermined maximum nominal steam output that can be supplied by the humidification system.

[0009] A second critical issue is the fact that the above-mentioned humidification systems are designed to be placed in an outdoor environment and are, therefore, continuously exposed to the weather. This condition increases the exposure of the hydraulic / electronic / electrical components in the humidification system to damage and consequent downtime, which not only causes inconvenience to users but also has a significant impact on the maintenance costs of the treatment unit.

[0010] In addition, conventional humidification systems require the use of steam supply pipes, which not only cause condensation within them but are also subject to changes in pressure.

[0011] Finally, the structure of today's humidification systems requires the use of numerous electrical panels and respective wiring. This structure is particularly critical as, in addition to increasing installation time and costs, it causes an increase in the overall footprint of the air treatment unit, which in some cases can be excessive and thus prevent the installation of the humidification system in the air treatment unit.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The purpose and subject of this invention is, therefore, to provide an isothermal humidification system that can be installed in an air treatment unit and that at least overcomes the critical technical issues listed above.

[0013] This object is achieved by this invention in so far as it relates to an isothermal humidification system that can be installed in an air treatment unit, produced as defined in the independent claim and, preferably but not necessarily, in any of the dependent claims.

[0014] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and form an integral part of the present specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] This invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein: Figure 1 schematically shows, with parts in cross section and parts removed for clarity, an air treatment unit equipped with an isothermal humidification system produced according to the precepts of this invention, Figure 2 schematically shows, on an enlarged scale, a modular humidifier device and an associated electronic control module of the isothermal humidification system shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a block diagram of the isothermal humidification system produced according to the precepts of this invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to allow a skilled person to implement it and use it. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the general principles described may be applied to other embodiments and applications without however departing from the protective scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but it must be given the broadest protective scope consistent with the principles and features described and claimed herein.

[0017] With reference to Figure 1, the reference number 1 globally, schematically denotes an air treatment unit(ATU). The air treatment unit 1 comprises a boxed frame 2 and is equipped with a series of air treatment devices / apparatuses 3 (some of which are shown in Figure 1) that are configured to implement at least one or more of the following functions: air conditioning, air cooling, air heating.

[0018] In the example illustrated, the air treatment unit 1 further comprises at least two ducts or openings 4 preferably connected to the frame 2, one of which is structured to receive incoming AR air from a room to be treated, and the other of which is structured to provide outgoing AR air preferably, but not necessarily, treated in the room itself. In addition, the air treatment unit 1 comprises at least one internal air AR humidification compartment 5 which communicates with the openings 4 via aeraulic ducts and through which air AR passes in use.

[0019] The air treatment devices / apparatuses 3 may comprise, for example, at least one heating unit provided, for example, with one or more heating devices (not illustrated) hydraulically connected to one or more heater batteries, and / or at least one cooling unit provided with one or more cooling devices (not illustrated) hydraulically connected to one or more cooling unit batteries, and / or one or more cooling devices (not illustrated) hydraulically connected to at least one condensation battery. The air treatment devices / apparatuses 3 may further comprise at least one ventilation unit (not illustrated) provided, for example, with one or more electrically driven fans configured to draw in air AR from one opening 4 and supply it to the other opening 4 at the outlet.

[0020] The air treatment unit 1 may further comprise a user control device 20, for example, an electronic control panel provided with a user interface, through which the user may issue user commands indicating: heating instructions / data, and / or cooling instructions / data, and / or air conditioning instructions / data, and / or humidification instructions for the treated air AR. The humidification instructions may comprise data indicating, for example: a steam output and / or a steam quantity or other data associated with the steam to be generated in the compartment 5, or the air humidity AR.

[0021] The air treatment unit 1 may further comprise an electronic control unit 21 configured to control the air treatment devices / apparatuses 3 during operation of the air treatment unit 1. The electronic control unit 21 can be configured to control the air treatment devices / apparatuses 3 at least on the basis of user commands.

[0022] According to this invention, the air treatment unit 1 is also provided with an isothermal humidification system 7, which is configured to generate steam in the compartment 5 in a controlled, that is, adjustable manner, so that the humidity of the treated air AR flowing through the compartment 5 has a predetermined air humidity AR.

[0023] According to this invention, the isothermal humidification system 7 comprises one or more modular humidifier devices 8.

[0024] The modular humidifier device 8 comprises an electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9 which is designed to be firmly arranged in, but easily removable (easily detachable or able to be assembled / disassembled) from, the compartment 5 of the air treatment unit 1. The electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9 is provided with a box-shaped body 11 for containing water, and a steam-generating electrical device 26 provided with steam-generating electrical elements 26a which are arranged in the box-shaped body 11 so as to be immersed in water. The steam-generating electrical elements 26a are configured to be powered by an electrical quantity, conveniently a current or voltage, to generate steam to humidify the air AR within the compartment 5.

[0025] The isothermal humidification system 7 also comprises one or more electronic control modules 27. The electronic control modules 27 are configured to selectively control the electro-hydraulic humidifier module / s 9 in order to selectively regulate / vary the electrical magnitudes supplied to the steam-generating electrical elements 26a based on a magnitude / value indicating a predetermined air AR humidity.

[0026] Conveniently, the electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9 is isothermal, that is, it operates in such a way as to keep the air AR at a predetermined temperature.

[0027] According to one embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the isothermal humidification system 7 comprises a single general electric panel 22. In other words, according to this invention, the isothermal humidification system 7 is operated from a single, general electric panel 22.

[0028] The general electric panel 22 is provided with a boxed frame housing the electronic control module / s 27, and the electronic control unit 21. The electronic control module / s 27 are preferably not arranged in other electric panels separate from the single general electric panel 22. More preferably, the isothermal humidification system 7 comprises (is operated by) only a single general electric panel 22 housing the electronic control module / s 27 (supplied with the humidification system) and the electronic control unit 21 inside.

[0029] Conveniently, the modular humidifier device / s 8 also comprise respective electrical steam power control modules 10. The electrical steam power control modules 10 are conveniently installed in the general electric panel 22 and are electrically connected with the electronic control module 27 and the steam-generating electrical elements 26a of the respective electro-hydraulic humidifier modules 9.

[0030] The electrical steam power control module / s 10 are preferably not arranged in other electric panels separate from the single general electric panel 22. More preferably, the isothermal humidification system 7 only comprises a single general electric panel 22 housing: the electrical steam power control modules 10, the electronic control modules 27 and the electronic control unit 21.

[0031] According to one embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the steam-generating electrical elements 26a comprise electrodes. It should be specified that in immersed electrode technology, it is the drinking water that acts as a resistor through its own mineral salts, subject to the electrical power provided by the electrodes, which are immersed in water, or the heating elements (resistors or armoured heating elements).

[0032] Conveniently, according to a different embodiment (not illustrated), the steam-generating electrical elements may comprise electrical resistor devices, for example armoured heating elements or the like.

[0033] According to one embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical steam power control modules 10 may comprise electronic measuring devices configured to provide an electrical quantity indicating the level of water present in the box-shaped body 11. The electronic measuring devices may comprise, for example, current-measuring sensors that generate a current signal indicating the level of water in the box-shaped body 11 or water level control systems.

[0034] According to a different embodiment in which the steam-generating electrical elements comprise electrical resistor devices, the electrical steam power control modules 10 comprise electronic switching devices which are electrically connected to the electrical resistor devices and are selectively driven by the electronic control module 27 and via respective electrical control signals, conveniently pulse-modulated electrical signals (PWM). Electronic switching devices may comprise, for example, solid-state relays or the like.

[0035] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the electronic control module / s 27 comprise a main electronic circuit 27a which is configured to drive a first electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9. The electronic control module / s 27 further comprise at least one secondary electronic circuit 27b that is preferably electrically connected to the main electronic circuit 27a and is configured to drive at least one second electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9, other than the first electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9.

[0036] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the main electronic circuit 27a can be made up of a main electronic control board; the secondary electronic circuit 27b can conveniently be made up of an electronic expansion board. The electronic expansion board can be electrically connected to the main electronic control board. The main electronic control board and the electronic expansion board can preferably be arranged in the general electric panel 22 in mutually adjacent positions.

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9 comprises a tank 12 which is formed in the box-shaped body 11 and is designed to contain water and houses the steam-generating electrical elements 26a. The electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9 also comprises electro-hydraulic devices 28 configured to adjust the amount of water in the tank 12. The electronic control module / s 27 are preferably configured to control the electro-hydraulic devices 28 to adjust the amount of water contained in the tank 12 and / or the electrical power supplied so as to selectively vary the amount of steam generated by the electro-hydraulic humidifier modules 9.

[0038] The modular humidifier device / s 8 and the electronic control module / s 27 advantageously form a modular kit, in which the number of modular humidifier device / s 8 and the number of electronic control module / s 27 can be fixed and / or varied according to the pre-set / required steam output in said air treatment unit 1.

[0039] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the box-shaped body 11 of the electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9 is structured so as to be installed inside the compartment 5 and comprises the water-holding tank 12, and a cover 13 coupled to the opening of the tank 12. The cover 13 may preferably be provided with through openings or slits 14 through which the steam generated by the steam-generating electrical elements 26a, in the electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9, passes in use.

[0040] In the example illustrated in the attached figures, the electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9 may comprise a supply line 16 to feed water into the tank 12, and a discharge line 18 to drain water from the tank 12. In the example illustrated in the attached figures, the electro-hydraulic devices 28 may comprise at least one solenoid valve which is hydraulically coupled to the supply line 16 and can be controlled, electrically, to adjust the amount of water supplied to the tank 12. In the example illustrated in the attached figures, the electro-hydraulic devices 28 may also comprise at least one drainage electropump 19 hydraulically connected to the discharge line 18 that can be controlled, electrically, to discharge the water from the tank 12 in a controlled manner so as to regulate the water level in the tank 12.

[0041] The isothermal humidification system 7 may also, preferably but not necessarily, comprise an electronic measuring system 23 configured to provide the electronic control module / s 27 with measurement signals / data indicating the humidity and / or temperature measured in the compartment 5. The electronic measuring system 23 may comprise, for example, humidity sensors and / or temperature sensors.

[0042] The steam-generating electrical device 26 comprises an electrical control circuit 26b which is configured to vary the current supplied to the steam-generating electrical elements 26a.

[0043] The electronic control module 27 can preferably be configured to communicate with the electronic control unit 21 in such a way as to exchange data / information with it indicating the commands to be given to the electrical steam power control modules 10 and / or data relating to the amount of steam to be generated in the compartment 5.

[0044] The electronic control module 27 can be configured to selectively communicate with the modular humidifier devices 8 to provide them with commands indicating the amount of steam and / or steam output to be generated in the compartment 5.

[0045] The electronic control module 27 is also configured to communicate with the modular humidifier devices 8 to selectively vary, moment by moment, the amount of steam generated by the corresponding electro-hydraulic humidifier modules 9 based on the amount of steam and / or steam output to be generated in the compartment 5 and / or the humidity that the treated air AR provided by the treatment unit 1 must have.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the electronic control module 27 can be connected to the measuring system 23 and the electronic control unit 21 via electrical cables / wires.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the general electric panel 22 may comprise a boxed frame and contain / house the user control device 20, the electronic control unit 21, the electronic control module 27 and the electrical steam power control modules 10 within it.

[0048] Alternatively or in addition, the electronic control module 27 can communicate data / information / commands bidirectionally with the control circuits 26b of the modular humidifier devices 26 via a wireless communication system 40 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like).

[0049] For this purpose, the general electric panel 22 can be equipped with a wireless communication stage 27c through which, the electronic control module 27 and / or the electronic control unit 21 and / or modular humidifier devices 26 exchange data / information with each other via corresponding physically wired or wireless communication devices.

[0050] The electronic control module 27 can also communicate data / information / commands bidirectionally with remote management systems BMS (Building Management Systems) and remote "cloud" applications / computer systems CL also via WI-FI communication interfaces. The wireless communication system 40 may comprise Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any similar data communication system / network.

[0051] The general electric panel 22 may also comprise one or more power supply and control circuits 30 of the current supplied to the modular humidifier devices 8. The power supply and control circuits 30 are conveniently wired within the general electric panel 22 and may comprise a safety and protection circuit (not illustrated) which is equipped, for example, with fuses, and is electrically connected to supply phases set at a predetermined voltage (for example, a medium voltage of 380 V). The power supply and control circuits 30 may further comprise a series of switch / remote control devices (not illustrated) which are arranged downstream of the safety circuit and electrically connect the electrical steam power control modules 10 to the phases of a power supply line 41, in single-phase or three-phase mode, via the safety circuit. The switch / remote control devices can be selectively controlled to open / close the electronic control module 27.

[0052] According to a convenient embodiment, the isothermal humidifier system 7 consists of kits of modular humidifier devices 8 preferably but not necessarily identical to each other, wherein the kit consists of: multiple electrical steam power control modules 10 identical to each other, multiple humidifier modules 9 identical to each other, and one or more electronic control modules 27.

[0053] The Applicant has found that the kit of modular humidifier devices 8 has the technical effect of conveniently allowing the manufacturer of the air treatment unit to accommodate, as they like, a certain number of modular humidifier devices 8 in the compartment 5 based on the maximum power required. In other words, the availability of a modular humidifier device kit 8 allows the manufacturer to meet any required steam output simply by varying the number of modular humidifier devices 8 installed.

[0054] According to a possible example of use, the electronic control module 27 can receive initial data from the electronic control unit 21 that can indicate, for example, a certain amount of steam to be generated. The initial data may comprise, for example, a humidity value or range and / or a humidity threshold. The humidity value or range and / or the humidity threshold can for example be set by the user via the user control device 20, or can be calculated by the electronic control unit 21 via a control algorithm used to drive the operation of the air treatment unit.

[0055] The electronic control module 27 can also receive second data from the measuring system 23 that indicate the measurement data / information. It is understood that, alternatively or in addition, the measurement data / information can be supplied to the electronic control module 27 by an electronic humidistat (not shown) or humidity probes (not shown). The electronic humidistat (not shown) or humidity probes can be placed, for example, in the compartment and / or environment / room receiving the treated air AR.

[0056] The electronic control module 27 can selectively control modular humidifier devices 8 so as to control the operation of the respective humidifier modules 8 based on the initial and second data. For example, the electronic control module 27 can selectively control the modular humidifier devices 8 so that the amount of steam generated by the electro-hydraulic humidifier modules 9 can be adjusted, moment by moment, based, for example, on the difference between a target (that is, set) and measured humidity.

[0057] The electronic control module 27 can also selectively control the modular humidifier devices 8 to keep the air AR temperature at a preset value.

[0058] Alternatively and / or in addition, the electronic control module 27 can be configured to selectively control the modular humidifier devices 8 according to a parallel activation operating mode of the humidifier modules 9. When the parallel activation operating mode is implemented, the electronic control module 27 can be configured to directly control a pre-established first modular humidifier device 8 to implement a control on a corresponding first electro-hydraulic humidifier module 9. In the parallel activation operating mode, the remaining modular humidifier devices 8 can be configured to indirectly replicate (that is, without direct control by the electronic control module 27) the same controls on the respective humidifier modules 9 based on the same commands given to the first modular humidifier device 8. In this way, the modular humidifier devices 8 operate identically and jointly.

[0059] Alternatively and / or in addition, the electronic control module 27 can be configured to control the modular humidifier devices 8 according to a sequential operating mode. When the sequential operating mode is implemented, the electronic control module 27 can be configured to sequentially control the modular humidifier devices 8 to activate the corresponding electro-hydraulic humidifier modules 9 one after the other such that activation of each modular humidifier device 8 begins when the amount of steam generated by another modular humidifier device 8 previously activated in the predetermined sequential order reaches a predetermined maximum value corresponding to the maximum steam output of the electro-hydraulic humidifier module 8.

[0060] Alternatively and / or in addition, the electronic control module 27 can be configured to control the modular humidifier devices 8 according to rotational operating mode. When the rotational operating mode is implemented, the electronic control module 27 can be configured to selectively control the modular humidifier devices 8 in such a way that they are switched on and off in an orderly manner and according to respective intervals having predetermined durations.

[0061] Alternatively and / or in addition, the electronic control module 27 may be configured to control the modular humidifier devices 8 as preferred according to one of the following modes: ON / OFF operating mode in which the modular humidifier device 8 is alternately switched off or on; proportional mode in which a modular humidifier device 8 is controlled such that the current supplied to the steam-generating electrical elements 26a varies proportionally to the humidity measured; intermittent mode in which the modular humidifier devices 8 are switched on / off at regular intervals depending on the humidity required in the compartment 5.

[0062] Alternatively and / or in addition, the electronic control module 27 can be configured to control the modular humidifier devices 8 as preferred according to one of the following modes: a backup function mode in which the modular humidifier device 8 is activated when another modular humidifier device 8 is not operational, due to a malfunction or damage, or is stuck in alarm mode or is in maintenance mode. It should be specified that the backup mode is advantageous in that it allows the generation of moisture by the isothermal humidification system 7 not to be interrupted. This condition is particularly important in certain specific processes such as air treatment systems for operating theatres in hospitals, laboratories and clean rooms, production processes that require very precise environmental and hygrometric conditions, etc.

[0063] The system described above has the advantage of being modular, universal, and versatile, and allows manufacturers of ATU / AHU air treatment units to equip them with an isothermal humidification system consisting of several hydraulically and electrically independent modular humidifier devices, functionally managed by a single electronic control module. The modular kit is "universal", that is, it is suitable for any ATU regardless of the maximum vapour output required in it, and is easily assembled and wired to the ATUs / AHUs, with electronic control modules 27 and electronic modules 10 installed directly in the general electric panel. This avoids having to install one or more specific electric panels for the humidification system, which would involve additional wiring and connection work and additional space for its arrangement. In addition, there is a reduction in costs, installation time and, thus, the associated burden and cost for the air treatment unit manufacturer. Furthermore, the modular structure of the system simplifies the design of the air treatment unit and optimises space management.

[0064] Another advantage gained is that it allows ATU / AHU air treatment unit manufacturers to have a kit of humidifier plumbing modules available in a variable configuration depending on the required steam output. Thanks to the possibility of controlling several humidification modules, steam flow rates of up to double or triple the existing ranges can be achieved with variety and flexibility in defining intermediate sizes.

[0065] Another technical effect is to reduce the costs of electrical wiring and the general electric panel. Furthermore, the humidification system is conveniently installed completely inside the ATU / AHU air treatment unit. This installation eliminates the cluttering of the system outside the UTA / AHU unit and simultaneously protects the system components from damage.

[0066] In addition, the system described above enables the management of numerous different operating modes to solve issues that a closed, single hydraulic unit humidification system would not be able to. It also avoids the need for electrical units (humidification system-specific electrical panels) to be installed outside the ATU / AHU, as everything is integrated inside the ATU / AHU in the appropriate arrangements and, therefore, protected from exposure to weather conditions and pollution / UV etc.

[0067] Finally, the system operates under equal pressure with the air treatment unit and steam production within it, substantially improving system efficiency.

Claims

1. An isothermal humidification system (7) configured to generate steam in an air treatment unit (1) in order to humidify the air (AR) treated by said air treatment unit (1) itself, the isothermal humidification system (7) comprises: one or more modular humidifier devices (8) comprising an electro-hydraulic humidifier module (9) which is configured to be stably arranged, but easily removable, in a compartment (5) of the air treatment unit (1) and is provided with a box-shaped body (11) configured to contain water, and steam-generating electrical elements (26a) which are arranged in the box-shaped body (11) in order to be immersed in water and are configured to be powered by an electrical magnitude to generate steam for humidifying the air (AR) in the compartment (5) of the air treatment unit (1), and one or more electronic control modules (27), which are configured to selectively control said one or more electro-hydraulic humidifier modules (9) in order to selectively regulate / vary the electrical magnitudes supplied to said steam-generating electrical elements (26a) based on a magnitude / value indicative of a predetermined humidity of said air (AR).

2. The isothermal humidification system (7) according to claim 1, comprising a single general electric panel (22), which is provided with a boxed frame housing within it said one or more electronic control modules (27) and at least one electronic control unit (21) which is configured to control the operation of the air treatment unit (1).

3. The isothermal humidification system (7) according to claim 2, wherein said one or more modular humidifier devices (8) comprise respective electrical steam power control modules (10), which are installed in said general electric panel (22) and are electrically connected to said electronic control module (27) and with said electro-hydraulic humidifier modules (9).

4. The isothermal humidification system (7) according to claim 3, wherein said steam-generating electrical elements (26a) comprise electrodes or electrical resistor devices.

5. The isothermal humidification system (7) according to claim 4, wherein said electrical steam power control modules (10) comprise electronic sensor devices configured to provide said one or more electronic control modules (27) with an electrical quantity indicative of the level of water present in said box-shaped body (11).

6. The isothermal humidification system (7) according to claim 4, wherein said electrical steam power control modules (10) comprise electronic switching devices selectively driven by said one or more electronic control modules (27).

7. The isothermal humidification system (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more electronic control modules (27) comprise a main electronic circuit configured to drive a first electro-hydraulic humidifier module (9), and at least one secondary electronic circuit which is electrically connected to the main electronic circuit and is configured to drive at least one second electro-hydraulic humidifier module (9) other than the first electro-hydraulic humidifier module (9).

8. The isothermal humidification system (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electro-hydraulic humidifier module (9) comprises electro-hydraulic means (28) for regulating the amount of water in said box-shaped body (11); said one or more electronic control modules (27) are configured to selectively control the electro-hydraulic means (28) of said electro-hydraulic humidifier modules (9) to regulate the amount of steam generated in said compartment (5) based on the required humidity.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, said modular humidifier devices (8) and said and one or more electronic control modules (27) form a modular kit in which the number of said modular humidifier devices (8) and the number of said one or more electronic control modules is variable according to the predetermined steam output in said air treatment unit.

10. An air treatment unit (1) comprising an isothermal humidification system (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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