Control device for electronically controlling an evaporator device for an incubator, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for adjusting the air humidity in an incubator chamber of a laboratory apparatus with incubation capability, and to a method for adjusting the air humidity. In particular, the control device controls an air humidity regulation device, a heating regulation device, and a water supply control device.

Description

[0001]Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC Control device for the electronic control of an evaporator of an incubator and method The invention relates to a control device for the electronic control of an evaporator of a laboratory device with an incubation function, in particular incubators and incubation shakers, a laboratory device with an incubation function for the growth of biological cells and an evaporator device which includes this control device, as well as a method for the electronic control of the humidification of an incubator atmosphere. With such incubation-capable laboratory devices, in particular incubators and incubation shakers, cells are kept in cell culture under controlled environmental conditions in biological and medical laboratories.and thus enables the growth of living cells in vitro or of bacterial cultures. For this purpose, the temperature and gas composition, or rather the humidity, of the atmosphere inside an incubator chamber isolated from the environment are maintained at the desired values ​​by the incubator's equipment. Eukaryotic cells require CO2 incubators. The atmosphere is created by air with a specific CO2 and O2 content and a specific humidity; a suitable temperature is often 37 °C. The relative humidity in the chamber of such a laboratory device with an incubation function should be regulated as precisely as possible to a setpoint specified by the end user. It is desirable that, on the one hand, the humidity is regulated as quickly as possible after the door is opened, yet without significant overshoots that could lead to condensation. In addition, it should also be possible to...to compensate for the constant moisture leakage from the incubation chamber that is typical for such devices. A technical challenge lies in the fact that even very small evaporating droplets have a measurable impact on the humidity in the incubation chamber of the laboratory device. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC Known solutions for controlling humidity use, for example, a water tray that is constantly kept inside the incubation chamber and therefore poses a latent risk of contamination, or an evaporator. The challenge of using an evaporator compared to a water tray can be that an evaporator requires additional sensors to detect,The system needs to monitor whether water is present in the evaporator and what the current flow rate is. Any additional sensors increase the manufacturing costs and complexity of the humidification system. If an evaporator cannot be precisely controlled, the humidity in the chamber can exceed the setpoint. The excess humidity must then be removed, for example, with an additional pump that draws ambient air into the chamber. This, in turn, increases the overall system's costs and complexity. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a control device for a laboratory instrument with an evaporator and a method for controlling it.which enable efficient regulation of humidity. The invention solves this problem by means of the control device according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments of the invention are particularly evident from the dependent claims and the following description of the invention. The invention relates to a control device for electronically adjusting the humidity of an incubator atmosphere in an incubator for the incubation of live cell cultures by means of an evaporator device, comprising: - a humidity control device configured to regulate the humidity value to a setpoint humidity value, - a heating control device configured to regulate the temperature of a water-evaporating heating element of the evaporator device, measurable by means of a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature, and using an evaporation value as the control variable.and wherein, in particular, the evaporation value is obtained from a measurement of a heating power occurring in this control system or a temperature deviation of the measured temperature from the target temperature, wherein, in particular, the evaporation value is determined by a volume of water that is evaporated by the heating element, and wherein the target temperature can be selected as an evaporation temperature suitable for evaporating a volume of water in contact with the heating element; - a water delivery control device configured to use a water delivery rate parameter for controlling a water delivery device, which determines a volume of water currently to be delivered, - wherein the control device is configured to vary the water delivery rate parameter depending on the evaporation value,until a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere, measurable by means of an air humidity sensor, corresponds to a target humidity value. The invention according to a preferred embodiment enables robust and precise control of the humidity in all operating states of a laboratory device for incubation, in particular an incubation shaker or incubator. The control unit or its program code or algorithm monitors a power output, in particular the average power output of the heating element, which is determined indirectly, for example by the current setpoint of the heating element, in particular via a duty cycle in the case of PWM control of the heating element, or the deviation of the temperature of the heating element from the temperature setpoint. The control unit can thus determine whether water is currently evaporating,and in particular, quantify the volume of water evaporated. The aforementioned power of the heating element, or its setpoint, is therefore also referred to here as the water volume evaporation power value, or, in short, Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC "evaporation value". The amount of water evaporated can be controlled or regulated via the program code-controlled operation of the water supply system, especially the pump system. The setpoint required to maintain the heating element at the target temperature of, for example, 180 °C, is directly dependent on the heating element power, and in particular directly proportional to the power that is converted into heat by evaporation at the heating element. The required power, in turn, is directly proportional to the amount of water.which is supplied to the evaporator device on average. In particular, the rapid adjustment without significant overshoot and the ability to supply even the smallest amounts of water in a static state are advantages of the invention. This is achieved by the control unit of the evaporator device only supplying as much water as can be evaporated within the shortest possible time. This is accomplished by incorporating the current evaporation value, e.g., the heating power, into the control of the water delivery rate of the water supply unit. When no more steam is required, the water supply unit is switched off, and no significant amount of water remains in the evaporator that would lead to a prolonged run-on period. Furthermore, the control unit does not require a level sensor in a water tank, since a level that is too low for a certain period of time...The heating power at the heating element can be determined to indicate that no water is reaching the evaporator. Another advantage is that no flow sensor is required in the supply hose or on the evaporator itself, leading to savings in manufacturing costs. This is made possible by quantifying the evaporated water volume using the aforementioned evaporation value. The term "control device" refers to a system control that achieves the desired control of the humidity, in this case, the regulation of the humidity, through control measures. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC In a narrow sense, control refers to the process in which one or more input variables of a system are used to influence a process variable. The actual value of the process variable is not monitored, which means that deviations caused, for example, by external disturbances,the control process is not influenced. An open action sequence thus characterizes control in the narrow sense. In contrast, in regulation – preferably continuously, but also discontinuously – the quantity to be regulated (controlled variable x) is measured and compared with a given value (reference variable, setpoint w). If a difference exists between these quantities (control deviation e or control error xw), an adjustment process is initiated, depending on the measured difference, to bring the controlled variable back into alignment with the reference variable. A closed action sequence thus characterizes regulation. In DIN 19226, the term regulation is defined as follows: “Regulation is a process in which a quantity, the controlled variable (quantity to be regulated), is continuously measured and compared with another quantity, the reference variable,The controlled variable is compared and influenced in order to align with the reference variable. A characteristic of this control system is the closed-loop process, in which the controlled variable continuously influences itself within the control loop. "Continuous" here also refers to a sufficiently frequent repetition according to a number N of similar individual processes. In the context of the second operating mode of the control device, however, it would also be possible in principle to have N=1, i.e., a single feedback, which already characterizes a dynamic process, insofar as the humidity to be controlled is then already reached. The control device (also referred to as "control unit") has a humidity control device.a heating control device and a water flow control device. The latter is only optionally designed and / or includes a control device (water flow control device). Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC The control device is an electronic, in particular data processing, device that is electrically connected to the measuring sensors of the control devices, in particular to the humidity sensor in the incubation chamber, the heating element temperature sensor, an evaporation value signal output of the heating element control, and to one or more actuators of the control devices, in particular an input of the water flow device, in particular a pump device, for determining the water flow rate (pump capacity). Therefore, the control device preferably includes a processor device with data storage, in particular a microcontroller, which is programmed to perform the functions of the humidity control device.to implement a heating control device and a water flow control device, in particular a water flow control device. However, it is also possible and preferred that the control device has more than one processor unit with data storage, in particular that each of the humidity control device, heating control device, and water flow control / regulation device has its own or a common processor unit with data storage. The heating control device preferably operates autonomously, i.e., the control device is not configured so that the setpoint of the heating control device is influenced by signals from outside the heating control device: the heating control device always regulates the heating element temperature independently to the setpoint, in particular the evaporation setpoint (e.g., 180 °C). Preferably, the control device is configured toto be operated in a first operating mode and / or in a second operating mode. An operating mode is characterized in particular by an operating mode-specific method for controlling / regulating the humidity, wherein this method is implemented by means of the control device, which is electronically configured and / or programmed in a suitable manner to execute the method. Preferably, in the first operating mode, the water delivery rate parameter is set by a water delivery control system. This enables continuous steam production with a particularly high production rate. Preferably, in the second operating mode, the water delivery rate parameter is set without regulation, in particular by not continuously, and especially not in individual steps or discontinuously, adjusting the variable to be regulated (controlled variable x).(here: water delivery rate parameter) is measured and compared with a predetermined value (control variable, setpoint w, here setpoint for water delivery rate parameter). In particular, the water delivery device is then controlled in such a way that, in particular, fine regulation of the humidity value is achieved, with a low steam production rate. Preferably, the control device is configured, in particular programmed, to operate in the second operating mode when the humidity value falls below a first threshold, and to operate in the first operating mode when the humidity value falls below a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is lower than the first threshold, wherein, in particular, the first threshold is in the range of preferably 0.01–0.4%, preferably 0.5–0.3%, preferably 0.1–0.25%, preferably 0.15–0.The first threshold value is 25% (referring to percentage relative humidity) below the target humidity value, for example, 94.8% relative humidity at a target humidity value of 95% relative humidity with x = 0.2%; wherein, in particular, the second threshold value is in a range of preferably 0.4% to 3.0%, preferably 1.0% to 2.5%, below the target humidity value, for example, 93.5% relative humidity at a target humidity value of 95% relative humidity with y = 1.5%. The first threshold value x for switching from the second to the first operating mode is preferably selected from the range with preferred values ​​{0.1%; 0.5%}. The second threshold y for switching from the second to the first operating mode is preferably selected from the range with preferred values ​​{0.5%; 3.5%}. Providing two operating modes, as described, is a particular advantage.Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC allows the control unit to react automatically and flexibly to humidity losses. For example, in the case of higher humidity losses, the first operating mode with a higher steam production rate is automatically activated when higher speeds of the shaking motion are suddenly selected. Preferably, the control unit includes an air supply control device that is activated in a further operating mode, which can be referred to, for example, as a third operating mode, particularly to reduce the humidity in the chamber. The second operating mode is particularly suitable for correcting minor humidity losses (threshold x) in the chamber that can typically occur during long-term operation of the closed chamber due to leaks. In normal operation of the laboratory device with a closed chamber, it is very unlikely or impossible tothat larger humidity losses (threshold y) occur, which would cause the control unit to execute the first operating mode. In practice, the first operating mode is activated in situations where there is a sudden drop in humidity in the chamber, as is typically the case after a period with the chamber door open. This period occurs when a user restocks, inspects, or removes sample containers from the chamber. This period ends when the door is closed, and the control unit determines the humidity in the chamber and selects the appropriate operating mode accordingly. If the control unit is operating in the first operating mode, the humidity in the chamber is restored to the setpoint w_rH, specifically without a switch to the second operating mode being necessary or occurring. However, this would be possible in principle.especially when a threshold value is reached, which can be, for example, w_rH – 2*x. Once the humidity has been regulated back to the setpoint (in the first or second operating mode), the respective operating mode ends. In a preferably provided further operating mode, which can be referred to, for example, as a third operating mode, the target temperature of the heating element of the Eppendorf SE 28 April 2025 119812P513PC evaporator device is reduced, in particular by 10–75%, for example, from 180°C to 90°C, or such that the target temperature corresponds to the temperature of the chamber interior. This protects the evaporator device and reduces or avoids unnecessary heat input from the evaporator device into the laboratory instrument, which could, in particular, unintentionally affect the temperature of the chamber interior. Preferably, the control unit has a program code stored in a program code memory of the control unit.The control device is configured, and in particular programmed, to start, stop, or maintain an evaporation process by defining the water flow rate parameter. Preferably, the control device is configured, and in particular programmed, to use and monitor an average power of the heating element as the evaporation value, and thereby, in particular, to obtain information in the form of data and, in particular, to store this information in a data storage device of the control device, specifically information about whether water is currently evaporating, in particular corresponding to a water volume correlated with, and in particular proportional to, the evaporation value, or whether no water is evaporating. Preferably, the control device is configured, and in particular programmed, to regulate the humidity level by approximating the humidity level to the setpoint without exceeding the setpoint.in particular by asymptotic approach to the setpoint, so that overshoot is prevented. This is achieved in particular by parameterizing the PI control of the humidity control loop such that the steam production is reduced as the actual value (x_rH) approaches the target value (w_rH). This leads to an increasingly slower slope of the rH value (x_rH). First operating mode Preferably, the control device is configured, in particular programmed, so that in the first operating mode the evaporation value is used to determine the controlled variable (x_WP) of a water flow control. The evaporation value provides precise information about the actual volume of water currently evaporating and is therefore particularly suitable for controlling the water flow. Preferably, the control device is configured, in particular programmed,In the first operating mode, an evaporation setpoint (w_WP) is used as the control variable for the water flow rate. The amount of steam produced by the evaporator is then determined by the power consumption of the heating element. This target value is maintained by regulating the water flow rate. This has the advantage that no flow sensor is required in the supply hose to the evaporator or on the evaporator itself, resulting in savings in manufacturing costs. The evaporation setpoint specifically determines the volume of water whose evaporation is necessary to adjust the humidity of the incubator atmosphere, with the humidity setpoint being specified by the incubator or the user. In a third operating mode, it is also possible for the humidity value x_rH to be regulated to a humidity setpoint w_rH specified by the user or another party.where w_rH can be lower than the current measured humidity value x_rH, meaning the chamber atmosphere must be dehumidified. The air supply control unit serves this purpose, in particular, by controlling an air supply device, especially an air pump, of the laboratory equipment. Preferably, the water delivery control unit includes a water delivery control device configured to regulate the evaporation rate to the setpoint in the first operating mode of the control unit, using the water delivery rate parameter as the manipulated variable. A control unit for the electronic control of the humidification of the incubator atmosphere of an incubator for the incubation of live cell cultures by means of an evaporator device, in particular for continuous steam production, preferably includes: Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC - a humidity control device configured to- to regulate an air humidity value of the incubator atmosphere, measurable by means of an air humidity sensor, to a humidity setpoint specified by the incubator or the user, using an evaporation setpoint as the control variable, wherein in particular this evaporation setpoint is proportional to a volume of water whose evaporation is required to adjust the humidity of the incubator atmosphere; - a water delivery control device configured to regulate an evaporation value to the evaporation setpoint, using a water delivery rate parameter of a water delivery device as the control variable, wherein in particular this evaporation value is proportional to a currently evaporated volume of water and this water delivery rate parameter is proportional to a currently delivered volume of water; - a heating control device configured toto regulate the temperature of a heating element of the evaporator device, measurable by means of a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature, using the evaporation value as the control variable, wherein the target temperature is particularly suitable for evaporating a volume of water coming into contact with the heating element during an evaporation process and thereby extracting heat from the heating element, and wherein, in particular, the evaporation value is proportional to a volume of water that is evaporated by the heating element and results from a measurement of a heating power occurring during this regulation or a temperature deviation of the measured temperature from the target temperature. Preferably, the control device is configured, in particular programmed, to detect and process the door opening value detected by a door sensor of an incubator.and in particular to switch off the water supply unit and / or reduce the power of the heating element when, according to the door opening value, a door of the incubator chamber is open, and / or when, according to the door opening value, a door of the incubator chamber is closed again after being opened, to operate in a first operating mode, and in particular to operate the water supply unit continuously in the first operating mode. Second operating mode: Preferably, the control unit is configured, in particular programmed, so that in the second operating mode the water supply rate parameter (WP) is used as the manipulated variable (y_rH) for humidity control. This allows for a direct determination of the amount of water to be evaporated, in particular without the detour via a control loop, and thus allows for fine control of the water supply unit.especially in the volume range between 2 l and 15 l. This volume corresponds to a relatively small water droplet reaching the heating element. It can be determined via the desired pump output. Preferably, the control unit is configured, and in particular programmed, to detect the evaporation of a droplet or the evaporation of a water volume corresponding to the droplet, especially in the volume range between 2 l and 15 l, particularly by recording and, in particular, evaluating the evaporation value (y_TC). Preferably, the control unit is configured, and in particular programmed, to set the water delivery rate parameter (WP) in the second operating mode, particularly by the control unit, depending on the evaporation value (y_TC). Preferably, the control unit is configured, and in particular programmed,that in the second operating mode, the Eppendorf SE 28. April 2025 119812P513PC uses time-dependent acquisition and processing of the evaporation value, which is defined in particular by a temperature drop or an increase in the heating element's power output, to determine whether a predefined threshold value of the evaporation value has been exceeded, especially within a predetermined time difference. The change in the evaporation value, reliably detectable by means of the threshold value, is indicative of a volume of water arriving at the heating element, extracting heat from it, and thus triggering an increase in heating power, which is necessary to readjust the heating element temperature to the desired setpoint temperature. In particular, the threshold value is chosen such thatthat exceeding this threshold indicates contact between the heating surface and a specific volume of water (e.g., 2 l – 15 l). This threshold can be determined by the manufacturer for the complete definition of the control method. The threshold is then stored, in particular, in a data storage device of the control unit and can be retrieved from there by the control method or the control unit. Preferably, the control unit is configured, and in particular programmed, so that in the second operating mode, an increment of water volume of, for example, 2 l – 15 l is initially delivered, and in particular, that immediately thereafter, within a predetermined period, the evaporation value is repeatedly compared with the threshold value, and then, in particular, if the threshold value is exceeded, the humidity value is observed for a predetermined period and compared with at least one,The previously determined humidity value, stored in a data storage device, is compared. If the humidity value increases, then the water pumping was evidently successful. It is then preferably observed whether the humidity value approaches the target humidity value, particularly without exceeding it, especially through asymptotic approach. If this is the case, the adjustment is successfully completed. If this is not the case, another water volume increment of, for example, 2 to 15 liters is pumped, and so on. During the aforementioned period, the water pumping device is controlled in such a way that no water is pumped; in particular, the water pumping rate parameter (WP) is set to zero during this period – the water pumping device is then deactivated. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC Preferably, the control device is configured, in particular programmed, to...that the water pumping device is switched off when it is determined that the predetermined threshold value of the evaporation value has been exceeded within the predetermined time interval. Preferably, the control device is configured, and in particular programmed, to determine whether the evaporation setpoint has been reached within a predetermined time interval and, in particular, if this is not the case, to switch off the water pumping device, especially to prevent the pumping device from operating when the supply water hose or water reservoir is empty. Preferably, the control device is configured, and in particular programmed, to operate the water pumping device continuously, and in particular predominantly, in the first operating mode, and in the second operating mode, to operate the water pumping device continuously.to operate discontinuously. Preferably, the control unit is configured, and in particular programmed, to operate the water pumping device intermittently in the second operating mode. Intermittent means that a control signal present in the case of continuous operation is interrupted. In the case of an input signal of a water pumping device modulated by pulse width modulation (PWM), the input signal is then alternately set to zero (interruption phase) and set to a non-zero operating value (operating phase). Preferably, continuous operation of the water pumping device requires that the water pumping device be controlled without interruption for a minimum duration t_min2, during which, in particular, the water pumping capacity parameter is greater than zero, where preferably 5 s ≤ t_min2 ≤ 5000 s. Preferably, continuous operation of the water pumping device requiresthat the Eppendorf SE 28 April 2025 119812P513PC water pumping device is controlled for a minimum duration t_min2 without interruption, during which, in particular, the water pumping capacity parameter is greater than zero, wherein preferably y1 <= t_min2 <= y2, wherein preferably y1 is selected from the respective preferred values ​​{5.0 s; 10.0 s; 20 s; 30 s; 60 s}, wherein y2 is selected from the respective preferred values ​​{60 s; 120 s; 500 s; 1000 s; 5000 s; 10000 s}, Preferably, discontinuous operation of the water pumping device requires that the water pumping device is controlled intermittently and sequentially with a maximum duration t_max1, wherein during the interruptions the water pumping capacity parameter is zero, and the interruptions have a minimum duration t_min1, wherein preferably 0.01 s <= t_max1 <= 5.0 s, and wherein in particular 5,0 s <= t_min1 <= 200 s. Preferably, the discontinuous operation of the water pumping device requires that the water pumping device be controlled intermittently and sequentially with a maximum duration t_max1, wherein during the interruptions the water pumping capacity parameter is zero, and the interruptions have a minimum duration t_min1, wherein preferably x1 <= t_max1 <= x2, and wherein in particular x3 <= t_min1 <= x4, where x1 is selected from the respective preferred values ​​{0.01 s; 0.1 s; 0.5 s; 1.0 s}, where x2 is selected from the respective preferred values ​​{0.5 s; 1.0 s; 2.0 s; 5.0 s}, where x3 is selected from the respective preferred values ​​{5 s; 10 s; 20 s}, where x4 is selected from the preferred values ​​{30 s; 50 s; 100 s; 200 s}. Preferably, the control device is configured, and in particular programmed, to operate the water pumping device intermittently in the second operating mode.to operate the water pumping device discontinuously, in particular by sequentially pumping a defined number M (M = 1, 2, 3, …) of volume increments, each preferably between 2 l and 20 l, more preferably between 5 l and 15 l. Preferably, the control device is configured, in particular programmed, to operate the water pumping device intermittently in the second operating mode, pumping a number M (M = 1, 2, 3, …) of individual volume increments, wherein the control of the water pumping device's output is achieved, in particular, by specifying a water pumping frequency, measured in volume increments per minute (M / minute). Preferably, the control device is configured, in particular programmed, to operate the water pumping device in pulsed mode in the second operating mode, in which the individual operating pulses have a duration of less than preferably 3 s.preferably 2 s, preferably 1 s, wherein the duration is preferably suitable to convey a volume increment of water with each operating pulse by means of the water conveying device, in particular corresponding to one pump stroke. The operating pulses are preferably separated by time intervals, which may be different or the same. The duration of the time interval can be varied by the control device depending on at least one other parameter, in particular depending on the evaporation value and / or the humidity value. Dehumidification The invention also relates to a control device (100') for electronically adjusting the humidity of an incubator atmosphere of a laboratory device (50) for incubating live cell cultures by means of a dehumidifier device (200) and an evaporator device (1), wherein the control device, in particular its dehumidifier control device (104), is configured, in particular programmed, toto control the dehumidifier (200) with which the incubator atmosphere in an incubator chamber of the laboratory device can be dehumidified, and wherein the control device, in particular its humidity control device (101), is configured, in particular programmed, to control the evaporator (1) with which the incubator atmosphere in the incubator chamber of the laboratory device can be humidified. The invention also relates to a laboratory device with an incubation chamber for the incubation of live cell cultures and this control device (100'). Preferred embodiments of the laboratory device and / or the control device can be found in the complete description of this patent application. Preferably, the control device is configured, in particular programmed, to control the dehumidifier and the evaporator such thatthat a relative humidity value rH in the incubator chamber is set based on a current relative humidity measurement rH_start and a current temperature measurement T_start in the chamber, depending on a target temperature value T_target (T_target not equal to T_target), particularly before or while the temperature in the chamber is regulated to the target temperature value, where the target temperature value is a user-defined or electronically specified temperature setpoint to which the temperature in the chamber is to be regulated by a temperature control device of the control unit. The relative humidity can also be set immediately after the temperature change. By anticipating the change in absolute humidity, the relative humidity does not need to be set by a time-consuming control process.in which the relative humidity is brought to its target value. Prolonged exposure to an unsuitable humidity level can cause condensation or be harmful to sensitive samples. This humidity control can be performed, particularly after the humidity has been set. Preferably, the target humidity value rH_target (absolute humidity) is lower than the absolute humidity value rH_start (absolute humidity) measured by the humidity sensor when T_target < T_start. Preferably, the target humidity value rH_target (absolute humidity) is higher than the absolute humidity value rH_start (absolute humidity) measured by the humidity sensor when T_target > T_start. The relative humidity value, in particular the humidity value x_rH, preferably remains unchanged in the chamber.Comparing the value of the relative humidity before a temperature change with the value after a temperature change. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC The invention also relates to a dehumidifier control device (104) for electronically adjusting the humidity of an incubator atmosphere of a laboratory device (50) for the incubation of live cell cultures by means of a dehumidifier device (200), wherein the dehumidifier control device (104) is configured, in particular programmed, to control the dehumidifier device (200),with which the incubator atmosphere in an incubator chamber of the laboratory device can be dehumidified. The invention also relates to a laboratory device with an incubation chamber for the incubation of live cell cultures and this dehumidification control device (104). Preferred embodiments of the laboratory device can be found in the complete description of this patent application. The dehumidification control device can, in particular, be a component of the control device according to the invention. This control device (100) can, in particular, be configured, especially programmed, to control the dehumidification device (200) with which the incubator atmosphere in an incubator chamber of the laboratory device can be dehumidified. The dehumidification device can, in particular, comprise or be formed by at least one of the following devices: ^ Air supply device, in particular air pump device,For supplying dry air to the incubator chamber of the laboratory device; ^ Condensation dehumidifier or condensation dryer; ^ Adsorption dehumidifier or adsorption dryer; ^ Membrane dehumidifier or membrane dryer. Condensation dryers use the principle of condensation to remove moisture from the air. The air is passed through a cooling coil, which cools it. As the air cools, the moisture condenses and is collected in a reservoir or discharged directly. The dehumidified air is then preferably reheated to the desired temperature and returned to the incubator chamber. Adsorption dryers use adsorbing materials such as silica gel or zeolite to remove moisture from the air. The moist air is passed through the adsorbing material,where the moisture is adsorbed onto the surface of the material. The dehumidified air is then drawn out of the drying material and returned to the incubator chamber. The adsorbing material can be periodically regenerated, either by heating (thermal regeneration) or by a counterflow of dry air (pressure regeneration) to remove the adsorbed moisture and make the material ready for use again. Membrane dryers use a semi-permeable membrane to separate water vapor molecules from the air. The moist air is passed through the membrane, where water vapor diffuses through the membrane, while the dry air emerges on the other side. This method requires no energy consumption for regeneration; the efficiency of the membrane dryer may depend on the temperature and pressure. Preferably, the air dehumidification device is an air supply device,The dehumidifier control unit is configured, and in particular programmed, to control the air supply device, especially an air pump, with which ambient air, in particular ambient air filtered by means of a filter, can be conveyed into the incubator chamber. For this purpose, the laboratory device preferably has this air supply device. The chamber preferably has an inlet opening for the supply of the air conveyed by the air supply device into the chamber interior. This air typically has a lower temperature than the temperature in the chamber interior and / or a lower humidity than the humidity in the chamber interior. By supplying the air from the environment into the chamber interior, the humidity and / or the temperature in the chamber interior can therefore be changed, in particular reduced. Preferably, the dehumidifier control unit is configured, and in particular programmed, toPreferably, the dehumidifier control device is configured, and in particular programmed, to control a dehumidifier, and in particular an air supply device, and in particular an air pump, in such a way as to reduce the humidity level in the interior of the incubator chamber. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC Preferably, the dehumidifier control device is configured, and in particular programmed, to control a dehumidifier, and in particular an air supply device, and in particular an air pump, in such a way as to set a humidity level rH in the interior of the incubator chamber based on a measured humidity level rH_start and a measured temperature level T_start in the interior of the chamber, depending on a target temperature T_target, wherein the target temperature is a user-defined or electronically specified temperature setpoint.The temperature inside the chamber is to be reduced by a temperature control device of the control unit. In particular, the target humidity value rH_target is lower than the current absolute humidity value rH_start measured by the humidity sensor. The relative humidity value, in particular the humidity value x_rH, preferably remains unchanged in the chamber when comparing the value before and after the temperature change. Preferably, the dehumidifier control unit is configured, in particular programmed, to control a dehumidifier device, in particular an air supply device, in particular an air pump, such that a humidity value inside the incubator chamber is set as a function of a target temperature value T_target.The target temperature is the temperature setpoint specified by a user or electronically (e.g., by programming) to which the temperature inside the chamber is to be regulated by a temperature control device of the control unit. In particular, the set humidity value of absolute humidity (synonym: absolute relative humidity) is lower than the humidity value of absolute humidity currently measured by the humidity sensor, especially in the case of a temperature reduction. The value of relative humidity, in particular the humidity value x_rH, preferably remains unchanged in the chamber when comparing the value before and after the temperature reduction. This is especially true if the user-selected target temperature value T_target is below the current temperature value T_start measured by the temperature sensor of the chamber of the laboratory device.The dehumidifier control unit reduces the absolute humidity, particularly before or while the temperature inside the chamber is lowered to the target temperature, and especially before (or without) a humidity control unit detecting, by means of a humidity sensor measuring the relative humidity inside the chamber, that the relative humidity has exceeded the target humidity value or the associated threshold value x'. The increase in relative humidity caused by the temperature reduction is thus anticipated, particularly when a change in relative humidity during temperature reduction is undesirable. The dehumidifier control unit is then preferably configured, and in particular programmed, to control the dehumidifier device, especially the air supply device, in such a way that the measured humidity value x_rH is reduced to a target humidity value w'_rH < x_rH.In particular, the dehumidification device is controlled such that air is conveyed into the chamber interior once, continuously, or successively, until the relative humidity x_rH reaches the target relative humidity w'_rH or a threshold value for relative humidity, which is preferably higher or lower than the target relative humidity w'_rH. Thus, dehumidification of the air preferably takes place during the temperature cooling process (or immediately before or after). The measures described above are suitable for efficient relative humidity control. They are particularly suitable for preventing undesirable condensation of water inside the chamber, which occurs when...When the temperature is lowered (e.g., user-controlled), the incubator atmosphere, enriched with a specific amount of (vaporous) water, is cooled, thereby increasing the relative humidity in the incubator atmosphere. In an incubation chamber with high humidity, a temperature drop leads to condensation because colder air can hold less moisture than warmer air, and relative humidity represents the ratio between the actual moisture content of the air and the maximum moisture content at a given temperature. Saturation vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by a gas over a liquid when the gas and liquid are in thermodynamic equilibrium. With respect to humidity, saturation vapor pressure is the pressure...where the air is saturated with water vapor and no more water can evaporate. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC. The saturation vapor pressure increases with increasing temperature. If the temperature in an incubation chamber is lowered, the saturation vapor pressure decreases because colder air can hold less water than warmer air. When the saturation vapor pressure exceeds the actual pressure in the chamber, excess moisture from the air condenses and forms water droplets or moisture on surfaces. The relative humidity (rH) also increases because the amount of water vapor in the air remains constant, while the maximum amount the air can hold decreases due to the temperature decrease. The ratio between the current humidity and the maximum humidity at the new temperature increases.which leads to a higher relative humidity. Due to the intelligent humidity control, a higher (virtual humidity upper limit) rH value is used internally for regulation, particularly if the system is already set to 85% rH_start (relative humidity) at T_start = 37°C and the user sets, for example, T_target = 32°C and rH_target = 85%. (This involves converting to absolute humidity and then calculating the relative humidity at 32°C.) In this case, the dehumidifier (e.g., air pump) would preferably also be activated until the internally converted rH value is below the maximum tolerable rH threshold of the device. Thus, dehumidification of the air takes place during the temperature cooling process. According to variant A, the control unit or the dehumidifier control unit is preferably programmed to...a) to record a user-entered (user temperature) T_target via a user interface of the control unit or the dehumidifier control unit, or to use an electronically stored or predefined target temperature T_target for the chamber interior, b) to record the current temperature T_start present in the chamber interior, in particular via a temperature sensor in the chamber interior or attached to the chamber wall, to record the current humidity rH_start present in the chamber interior, in particular via a humidity sensor in the chamber interior, c) optionally to record a user-entered humidity setpoint (user humidity) rH_target for the chamber interior, d) to calculate an increased humidity value (maximum humidity, relative humidity) that is set,If, when the target humidity, current humidity, or user humidity is present, the user temperature is set, e) the maximum humidity value is used as a virtual measurement to reduce the humidity, in particular by control, to the target humidity rH_target, especially to the user humidity. The aforementioned humidity values ​​are each the relative humidity in the chamber interior. In step d), the relative humidity can be converted into an absolute humidity in order to then measure the maximum humidity value as relative humidity at the user temperature. As a result, when the user temperature is set in the chamber interior by separate temperature control, the desired humidity (target humidity) is present by the separate humidity control.without the actual humidity level exceeding the maximum value or any humidity level above the target humidity level being present inside the chamber. During steps a) to e), the humidity control device that controls an evaporator is deactivated. This is because, during a transition phase, the current relative humidity may drop below the thresholds x and y, which would normally activate the second or first operating mode to increase the humidity. Steps d) and e) mentioned above are performed once or repeatedly until, starting from the virtual measurement (which is higher than the actual humidity measurement), the target humidity level (e.g., user humidity) is reached. If, in conjunction with steps a) to e), the temperature inside the chamber is not reduced to the lower target temperature,Then the relative humidity would be increased in the chamber interior by steps a) to e). However, since the temperature is lowered, although the absolute humidity (the absolute water vapor content) in the chamber interior decreases, the relative humidity remains unchanged (after successful implementation of the controlled temperature reduction and the uncontrolled / uncontrolled humidity reduction) or corresponds to the humidity setpoint. According to variant B, the control unit or the dehumidifier control unit is preferably programmed to i) detect a user-entered target temperature value (user temperature) T_target for the chamber interior via a user interface of the control unit or the dehumidifier control unit, or to use an electronically stored or predefined target temperature value T_target for the chamber interior.ii) to determine the current temperature T_start inside the chamber, in particular via a temperature sensor inside the chamber or attached to the chamber wall; to determine the current humidity rH_start inside the chamber, in particular via a humidity sensor inside the chamber; iii) optionally to determine a user-entered target humidity value (user humidity) rH_target for the chamber interior; iv) to calculate the humidity (absolute humidity) that would have to be present inside the chamber so that, starting from the current (absolute) humidity inside the chamber, a temperature reduction to the target temperature (e.g., user temperature) increases the relative humidity to the target humidity value; v) to use the absolute humidity as a virtual target humidity value to reduce the humidity to the target humidity value by means of control.especially on the user's ambient humidity. In case A), the reduction in humidity is achieved using the virtual measured value of the humidity as the control variable. In case B), the reduction in humidity is achieved using the actual measured value of the humidity as the control variable. In both cases A) and B), the absolute humidity is reduced to the level required for the temperature reduction if a change in relative humidity caused by the temperature reduction is undesirable. The relative humidity (RH) can be calculated using the following formula when the temperature in a room volume is reduced from a starting temperature to a target temperature: The saturation water vapor pressure (saturation) can be calculated using various empirical formulas or tabulated values ​​as a function of temperature. A commonly used empirical formula is the Magnus-Tetens formula. The water vapor pressure can be determined by measurements or by calculation using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation or other empirical formulas that describe the relationship between temperature and humidity. Relative humidity indicates the ratio of the actual water vapor pressure to the saturation water vapor pressure at a given temperature and is usually expressed as a percentage. The invention also relates to a system comprising the evaporator device, which includes the water supply device and the heating element, and a control device according to the invention.and in particular the humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the incubator atmosphere in the incubator chamber, and in particular the Eppendorf SE 28 April 2025 119812P513PC temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element. The invention also relates to a laboratory device with an incubation function for incubating live cell cultures, which has an evaporator device comprising the water supply unit and the heating element, and which has a control device according to the invention, and which in particular has the humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the incubator atmosphere in the incubator chamber, and in particular the temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element. The invention also relates to methods for electronically controlling the humidification of the incubator atmosphere of a laboratory device with an incubation function for incubating live cell cultures, in particular for regulating the humidity of the incubator atmosphere.with the following steps: - Controlling a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere, measurable by means of a humidity sensor, to a target humidity value using a humidity control device; - Controlling a temperature of a heating element of the evaporator device, measurable by means of a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature using a heating control device, wherein the target temperature can be selected as an evaporation temperature suitable for evaporating a volume of water in contact with the heating element; - Using a water flow rate parameter to control a water delivery device using a water flow control device, wherein the water flow rate parameter determines a current volume of water to be delivered; - Varying the water flow rate parameter depending on the evaporation value.until a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere, measurable by means of a humidity sensor, corresponds to a humidity setpoint. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC Preferably, the method also includes the steps of: - Controlling a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere, measurable by means of a humidity sensor, to a humidity setpoint specified by the incubator or the user, by means of a humidity control device, wherein an evaporation setpoint is used as the control variable, wherein in particular this evaporation setpoint corresponds to a volume of water, in particular is proportional to a volume of water, the evaporation of which is required to adjust the humidity of the incubator atmosphere, - Controlling an evaporation value to the evaporation setpoint by means of a water flow control device of the evaporator device, wherein a water flow rate parameter of a water flow device is used as the control variable,wherein in particular this evaporation value is correlated to, or corresponds to, or is proportional to, a currently evaporated volume of water, and this water delivery rate parameter corresponds to, or is proportional to, a currently delivered volume of water, - Control of a temperature of a heating element of the evaporator device, measurable by means of a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature by means of a heating control device, wherein the evaporation value is used as the control variable, wherein in particular the target temperature is selected as an evaporation temperature which is suitable to evaporate a volume of water coming into contact with the heating element during an evaporation process and thereby extract heat from the heating element, and wherein in particular the evaporation value is proportional to a volume of water that is evaporated by the heating element,and which results from a measurement of a heating power occurring during this control or a temperature deviation of the measured temperature from the target temperature. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC The invention also relates to a method for the electronic control of the humidification of the incubator atmosphere of a laboratory device with an incubation function for the incubation of living cell cultures, in particular for controlling the humidity of the incubator atmosphere, comprising the steps of: - controlling a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere measurable by means of a humidity sensor to a humidity setpoint specified by the incubator or the user by means of a humidity control device, wherein an evaporation setpoint is used as the control variable, wherein in particular this evaporation setpoint is correlated or proportional to a volume of water whose evaporation is required to adjust the humidity of the incubator atmosphere,- Controlling an evaporation value to the evaporation setpoint by means of a water flow control device of the evaporator device, wherein a water flow rate parameter of a water flow device is used as the control variable, wherein in particular this evaporation value is proportional to a currently evaporated water volume and this water flow rate parameter is proportional to a currently conveyed water volume, - Controlling a temperature of a heating element of the evaporator device, measurable by means of a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature by means of a heating control device, wherein the evaporation value is used as the control variable, wherein in particular the target temperature is suitable to evaporate a volume of water coming into contact with the heating element during an evaporation process and thereby extracting heat from the heating element, and wherein in particular the evaporation value is proportional to a water volume,that is evaporated by the heating element, and which results from a measurement of a heating output occurring during this control or a temperature deviation of the measured Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC temperature from the target temperature. The water supply device is preferably formed by a pump unit. The pump unit can be a micro-dosing pump, a diaphragm pump, a peri-staltic pump, a screw pump, or a piezo pump. The dosing device can also be configured for water supply by gravity. For this purpose, the dosing device has a throttling device and a water inlet that can be arranged along the direction of gravity, the water being that can, in particular, originate from a water reservoir or water connection that can be arranged above the dosing device. The throttling device is electrically controllable.to control the cross-section of a water pipe and thus the flow of water. Preferably, the pump device is configured to generate a pump stroke, in particular such that—essentially—each pump stroke results in a vaporizable droplet that is conveyed through the water inlet opening onto the water guide and reaches the heating surface. This ensures controllable water evaporation, which occurs in incremental metering volumes, corresponding to a droplet or a quantity of water delivered as a water film that reaches the heating surface. Preferably, the metering device is characterized by at least one of the following technical specifications: a) the metering volume is between 1 l and 50 l, preferably between 5 l and 20 l, preferably between 10 l and 20 l, preferably between 7 l and 15 l, preferably between 9 l and 11 l; b) the minimum metering rate is between 0.5 l / h and 100 l / h.preferably between 0.5 l / h and 20 l / h, preferably between 0.5 l / h and 10 l / h. Since the evaporation rate quantifies the volume of water evaporated, the humidity can be efficiently adjusted, even if the exact volume of water to be evaporated cannot be precisely defined. This is the case, for example, with a microdiaphragm pump at the smallest transported water volumes (5 µl to 40 µl) considered here, due to wetting effects. This provides flexibility regarding the design of the water delivery system. However, it is not impossible to use a water delivery system designed as a precise dosing device and to ensure its technical accuracy.that the smallest volume of water conveyed actually reaches the heating element and is completely converted into steam by it. Such a metering device could be implemented, in particular, by means of one or more piston / piston chambers. Preferably, the evaporator device has an electronic control unit. This is specifically configured to control the metering device and the heating surface. This control unit is preferably configured to control the steam output rate of the evaporator device. This control is carried out with the aim of regulating the humidity in an incubation chamber connectable to the steam outlet, in particular by defining the metering rate of the metering device via a frequency-controlled electrical signal with an input frequency. The control unit is specifically connected to a temperature sensor, which is arranged as follows:to detect the temperature of the heating surface. The control device is preferably configured to set or regulate the temperature of the heating surface to a target temperature, which is selected in particular from the range between 100 °C and 250 °C and is preferably between 140 °C and 200 °C, more preferably between 160 °C and 185 °C. The electrical control device in particular includes a data processing unit and is preferably programmed to detect a temperature of a heating unit, in particular the heating surface, and in particular to adjust the power of the heating unit as a function of this temperature. Preferably, the control device is programmed to regulate a temperature of the heating unit, in particular a heating block or in particular the heating surface, to a desired, in particular constant, target temperature. Preferably, the control device is programmed to form a heating control loop.which is designed to regulate the temperature of a heating element of the evaporator, measured by a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature at which a volume of water in contact with the heating element evaporates and thereby extracts heat from the heating element. The electronic control unit is preferably programmed to control at least one function of the evaporator device and / or the dehumidifier device, in particular the supply of water through the water inlet opening by means of the metering device, and / or the heating of the heating surface, and / or the measurement of a temperature of the heating element. The electronic control unit is preferably programmed to acquire data that includes information from a sensor of the laboratory device.and, in particular, to control at least one function of the evaporator device based on this data. The sensor can, in particular, be a humidity sensor that measures the humidity in the incubation chamber of the laboratory device. The sensor can also be a door sensor that detects whether a door closing the incubation chamber is open or closed. In particular, it can be provided that the vapor output rate of the evaporator device is changed based on this data, for example, to quickly increase the vapor output rate after the door has been opened (and then closed again) in order to restore the desired relative humidity, e.g., 95%, in the incubation chamber as quickly as possible. The functions of the control device are implemented, in particular, by program code and / or by electronic circuits. The control device can be a microcontroller,The device may include a processing unit (CPU) for data processing or a microprocessor, each of which may be assigned to the data processing unit. The control unit may be designed as an independently operating component that controls the functions of the evaporator device and / or the dehumidifier device, but which, in particular, does not control one or more functions of the laboratory equipment to which the evaporator device is connected or of which the evaporator device preferably is a part. However, the control unit may also be a control unit that, in addition to the functions of the evaporator device and / or the dehumidifier device, also controls at least one, several, or all functions of the laboratory equipment.with which the evaporator device and / or the dehumidifier device is connected, or of which the evaporator device and / or the dehumidifier device preferably form a component. One of the functions of the laboratory device is, in particular, the control of the temperature in the incubation chamber of the laboratory device, or the control of the gas composition in the incubation chamber, especially the CO2 concentration. One of the functions of the laboratory device is also, in particular, the control of a user interface module of the laboratory device, which displays information to the user, in particular about sensor values ​​of physical or chemical quantities measured in / on the incubation chamber. The invention further relates to a laboratory device for incubating samples in an incubation chamber, in particular an incubator for incubating live cell cultures or a shaker with an incubation function.which has an evaporator device according to the invention. The incubator is a laboratory device or laboratory incubator. An incubator refers in particular to a laboratory device with an incubator chamber, the atmosphere of which can be regulated by the incubator to a predetermined target temperature. In particular, it is a laboratory device with which controlled climatic conditions for various biological development and growth processes can be created and maintained. The incubator can be a shaking incubator (shaker), i.e., an incubator with a movement device for moving objects arranged in the incubator chamber, or it can include such a device. The incubator can in particular be designed as a cell cultivation device. The incubator serves in particular to create and maintain a microclimate with controlled gas, and / or humidity, and / or temperature conditions in the incubator chamber.where this treatment may be time-dependent. The laboratory incubator, in particular a treatment unit of the laboratory incubator, may in particular have a timer, in particular a time switch, a heating / cooling device and preferably a setting for controlling an exchange gas supplied to the incubator chamber, an adjustment device for the composition of the gas in the incubator chamber of the incubator, Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC, in particular for adjusting the CO2 and / or the O2 and / or the N2 content of the gas and / or an adjustment device for adjusting the humidity in the incubator chamber of the incubator. The incubator, in particular a treatment unit of the incubator, in particular has the incubator chamber, and furthermore preferably a control device with at least one control loop.The incubator is assigned at least one heating / cooling device as an actuator and at least one temperature measuring device as a measuring element. The temperature in the incubator chamber can be regulated by means of the control device. Preferably, the incubator has an evaporator device and / or a dehumidifier device by means of which the humidity in the atmosphere of the incubator chamber is adjusted. CO2 incubators are used in particular for the cultivation of animal or human cells. Incubators can have turning devices for turning the at least one cell culture container and / or a shaking device for shaking or moving the at least one cell culture container. The incubator according to the invention is in particular not a bioreactor or fermenter. The incubator can have at least one sensor device. A sensor device in particular has at least one temperature sensor.Preferably a plurality of temperature sensors. A temperature sensor can, for example, be a Pt100 or Pt1000 temperature sensor. A sensor device preferably includes a sensor for determining a relative gas concentration, in particular for determining the content of CO2 and / or O2 and / or N2. A sensor device preferably includes a sensor for determining the relative humidity. An incubator preferably has one or a single incubator chamber. This can be subdivided into compartments. Compartments can be separated by - in particular perforated - bearing plates, whereby gas exchange between the compartments is particularly possible. The incubator chamber has chamber walls or inner chamber walls and exactly one or at least one chamber opening.through which the objects or cell culture containers inside the incubator chamber can be placed and removed. This chamber opening can be closed by a closure element movably connected to the incubator chamber, in particular an incubator door movably mounted on the incubator chamber by means of a pivot door (a door that slides completely upwards from the chamber opening to open, a "slide-up mechanism") or by means of a hinge, in particular one or more chamber doors. An incubator can have one or more inner doors, which may in particular be transparent, and can have an outer door, in particular not transparent, which thermally insulates in particular the incubator chamber and, if applicable, at least one inner incubator door, which closes or opens the chamber opening, from the environment. In the closed position of the chamber opening, the interior of the incubator chamber is preferably insulated from the environment in such a way as...so that a desired temperature or atmosphere, controlled by the incubator, can be set and, in particular, regulated inside. When the chamber opening is open, gas exchange between the incubator's surroundings and the interior of the incubator chamber is possible through this opening. The chamber opening is typically located in a front wall of the incubator that surrounds the opening. The incubator chamber preferably has several walls or inner wall surfaces, which can be joined together in one piece and, in particular, without edges. The walls or inner wall surfaces are preferably essentially planar, but can also have a curved shape, either entirely or partially. The incubator chamber is preferably cuboid in shape, but can also have other shapes, e.g., spherical, ellipsoidal, or polyhedral. The walls or inner wall surfaces are preferably made of a corrosion-resistant material, in particular stainless steel.Copper, brass, or a plastic, in particular a composite plastic. This facilitates the cleaning / disinfection of the chamber interior. Regardless of the chamber opening, which serves for loading / unloading objects or cell culture containers, the incubator chamber may have at least one port for passing a suitably dimensioned device or cable connection from the interior of the incubator chamber to its exterior or into the environment of the incubator. In particular, one side wall of the incubator chamber has a steam inlet opening that is connected to the steam outlet opening of the evaporator device, and is connected in a fluid-tight manner. This side wall of the incubator chamber also has a mounting section for attaching the evaporator device. The mounting section may include the steam inlet opening.preferably a connecting element for attaching the evaporator device to the side wall is arranged. A typical internal size of an incubator chamber is between 50 and 400 liters (dm³). The incubator can have exactly one incubator chamber, but it can also have several incubator chambers, the humidity of which (or: temperature, relative gas concentration) can be adjusted individually or collectively. An incubator can have several incubator chambers, each of which can have its own chamber opening and its own chamber door for closing the chamber opening. Each of these incubator chambers, or a group of these incubator chambers, can be connected to an evaporator device to adjust or regulate the humidity individually or collectively. The incubator can have a housing,that partially or completely surrounds the incubator chamber. An evaporator device according to the invention is preferably arranged within the housing, in particular next to the incubator chamber. The housing can be essentially cuboid in shape and can in particular be designed such that the incubator is stackable. The invention also relates to a system comprising a number N>1 of incubators, and Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC at least one evaporator device according to the invention, in particular a number M>=1 of evaporator devices according to the invention, preferably M=N, each of which is individually connected to an incubator chamber. Preferably, the system has a water reservoir, which is in particular arranged above or below a stack of the N incubators. The water reservoir is connected to the metering device of each of the evaporator devices. The system is in particular configured such thatthat in the operation of several of these incubators, water from this one water reservoir is evaporated by the evaporator devices of these incubators. Further preferred embodiments of the objects according to the invention, in particular of the method according to the invention, can be found in the description of the control device according to the invention or the laboratory device with incubation function and its preferred embodiments. Furthermore, further design options of the invention become apparent from the exemplary embodiments in the figures. Identical parts of the exemplary embodiments are essentially identified by the same reference numerals, unless otherwise described or evident from the context. Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a perspective side view of the evaporator device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a mounted position on the side wall of an incubation chamber of an incubator.without the dosing device. Fig. 2a shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of an evaporator device controlled by the control device according to the invention on a laboratory device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2b shows a schematic front view of a system consisting of a stack of laboratory devices with the evaporator devices according to Fig. 2a controlled by the control device according to the invention, which are connected to a common water reservoir. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC Fig. 2c shows an embodiment of a laboratory device equipped with a control device according to the invention, which is an incubation shaker.The evaporator device of Fig. 1a is mounted on the incubator chamber wall. Fig. 2d shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of an air dehumidifier controlled by a control unit on a laboratory device according to an embodiment of a further invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows the components of a control unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 schematically shows components of an evaporator device controlled by an exemplary control unit according to the invention for regulating the humidity rH in the incubator chamber of a laboratory device with an incubation function. Fig. 5 shows a diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary control unit according to the invention in the case of the first operating mode.in which the water supply device is continuously controlled and a continuous steam flow is produced. Fig. 6a shows the time course of the measured relative humidity x_rH and the applied pump power y_WP over a period of time, starting from the situation in which the incubator chamber was open for an extended period and then, with the chamber door closed, the relative humidity control was carried out according to the first operating mode of the exemplary control device according to the invention. Fig. 6b shows the time course of the temperature of the heating element, the heating power y_TC of the heating element, and the evaporation setpoint w_WP measured during the relative humidity control according to Fig. 6a. Fig. 7 shows a diagram illustrating the operation of the control device in the case of the second operating mode.where the water pumping device Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC is controlled discontinuously and a discontinuous steam output is produced. Fig. 8a shows the time course of the measured humidity x_rH and the pump power applied y_WP over a period of time, starting from the situation in which the incubator chamber was closed for an extended period and then, with the chamber door closed, the humidity control was carried out according to the second operating mode of the exemplary control device according to the invention. Fig. 8b shows the time course of the temperature of the heating element and the heating power y_TC of the heating element measured during the humidity control according to Fig. 8a. Fig. 1 shows an evaporator device 1 controllable by a control device according to the invention, in a mounted position on the side wall 52 of an incubation chamber 51 of a CO2 incubator 50 for the incubation of cell cultures,which is shown in Fig. 2c. The negative z-direction corresponds to the direction of gravity. The evaporator device 1 serves to humidify the incubator atmosphere in the incubation chamber. The evaporator device 1 has an evaporator chamber 2, the bottom section of which contains a heating surface 6 that is in contact with the interior of the evaporator chamber and is thus located in the evaporator chamber 2, and with which water coming into contact with the heating surface can be evaporated. The evaporator device 1 has a first component 21. This contains the evaporator chamber 2, which here is manufactured by turning from a milled component, and which has a water inlet opening 3 for supplying liquid water into the evaporator chamber and a vapor outlet opening 4 that can be connected to the interior of an incubator chamber of the incubator. The water supply device 5, here a microdiaphragm pump, with which water can be conveyed to the water inlet opening,The metering device 5 is not shown. The metering device 5 is connected to the water connection element 15 via the water line 23. The water connection element 15 has a cylindrical outlet section 15a, which is received in a cylindrical receiving chamber 21a of the first component 21, which opens into the water inlet opening 3; both the outlet section 15a and the receiving chamber 21a thus open into the water inlet opening 3. The evaporator device 1 has a water guide 10 with a water guide surface 11, which is formed by an inner wall section 11 of the evaporator chamber. By means of the water guide 10, the water that has entered the evaporator chamber 2 through the water inlet opening 3 is guided along the water guide 10 to the heating surface 6. In the lower, second component 22, which is connected to the first component 21,The heating cartridge 8 is housed within the heating element 7 or heating block 7. A temperature sensor 9 is attached to the heating block 7 for temperature control. The water enters the evaporator chamber 2 via the small throttle orifice 3. The introduced droplet then runs down the wall 11 onto the heated heating block and is evaporated there. The water delivery system, in this case the pump, can be selected and configured so that essentially every pump stroke results in a evaporable droplet, in order to regulate the relative humidity (RH value) as precisely and evenly as possible. If large droplets were to form before detaching and evaporating, the explosive evaporation of these droplets could cause smaller droplets to be ejected. Furthermore, the risk of...that the relative humidity (rH) in the chamber will overshoot. In this case, the pump can be operated with such a low delivery rate that several pump strokes are required to deliver a desired small volume of water, e.g., 2-15 microliters. Furthermore, the inventors' preliminary tests showed that it is advantageous for the droplet to reach the heating surface without falling, particularly by running directly down the wall 11. In this arrangement, the surface tension of the water is overcome earlier, causing the water to flow towards the heating block 7. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC In Fig. 1, on the left side, is the steam outlet opening 4 into the incubator chamber 51. The steam outlet opening 4 is located above the longitudinal axis A of the steam outlet channel 31.which is attached to the chamber wall 52 by means of connecting element 30. Condensing water in the steam outlet opening 4 is to be conveyed back to the heating block via the sloping bottom wall 32. A gap D is provided between the incubator chamber 51 and the heating cartridge 8 to reduce the transfer of temperature to the chamber wall 52. For further thermal protection, insulating material can be inserted into the cavity 54; in addition, plate elements 25 of component 21 / 21' aligned parallel to the side wall can be provided there for thermal shielding between the heating block 7 and the side wall 52. Furthermore, both components (housing parts) 21, 22 are made of a material with poor thermal conductivity (here PEEK plastic). To increase energy efficiency and to better decouple it from environmental influences, the evaporator is insulated externally by silicone insulating foam parts 58, 59. The insulation 58,59 can be easily removed for repair purposes. Fig. 2a shows an incubator 50 with an evaporator device 1. The water for the water pump 5 is drawn from a water reservoir 70, which is located above the water supply or pumping unit 5, here on the top of the incubator 50 housing. Fig. 2b shows a system 80 consisting of a stack of incubators 50, whose evaporators are connected to a common water reservoir 70. The water reservoir 70 is located above each pump unit 5, here on the top of the housing of the uppermost incubator 50. The water reservoir 70 is connected to the pump unit 5 of each of the evaporators 1. The system 80 is specifically designed so that, when several of these incubators are in operation, water from this single water reservoir 70 is evaporated by all evaporators 1 of these incubators. Fig. 2c shows the laboratory device 50 designed as an incubator 50 or incubation shaker 50,The evaporator device 1 of Fig. 1 is mounted on the incubator chamber wall 52 of the incubator chamber 51. The incubator chamber 51 is closed by the door 61. This door has a door sensor 53 with which the open / closed status of the door can be determined. The housing of the Eppendorf SE 28 April 2025 119812P513PC laboratory device is largely not shown. An advantage of the invention is that the tank position of the water reservoir relative to the laboratory device is freely selectable within certain limits, since the control unit "detects" a higher hydrostatic pressure (device at the bottom of the stack, tank at the top) and adjusts the delivery rate accordingly. Fig. 2d shows an air dehumidifier device 200 controlled by a control unit 100' on a laboratory device 50' according to an embodiment of a further invention. The water for water pump 5 is also drawn from a water reservoir 70 located above the water conveying or pumping device 5.The control unit 100' is located here on the top of the housing of the incubator 50'. As is the case here, the control unit 100' can also be configured to control the evaporator 1 – the optionality of this measure is indicated by the dashed lines. Alternatively, the control unit for electronically adjusting the humidity, in particular the humidity of the incubator atmosphere of the incubator 50' for the incubation of live cell cultures using an evaporator 1, can be integrated into the evaporator 1 (not shown). The control unit 100' can have all the components and the entire functionality of the control unit 100, and additionally the dehumidifier control unit 104. In particular, the control unit 100' can have a humidity control unit (101), a heating control unit (102), and a water supply control unit (103).as defined according to an embodiment of the control device 100 according to the invention. The operation of the dehumidifier control device has already been described. If a temperature is measured by means of the humidity sensor 55 that is above a permissible threshold above the humidity setpoint, the control device 100', in particular the dehumidifier control device 104 of the control device 100', is preferably configured and programmed to control a dehumidifier device 200 such that the humidity in the chamber 2 of the laboratory device is reduced, in particular until the aforementioned threshold (x') is undershot again or the humidity setpoint is reached. This is achieved in particular by regulating the humidity, with this dehumidifier device 250 serving as the actuator of the control. This device may include an air supply device, in particular an air pump device,The air supplied to the chamber by Eppendorf SE, April 28, 2025, 119812P513PC, has a lower relative humidity than that measured in the chamber. The aforementioned threshold value x' can be, in particular, in a range of preferably 0.01–1.0%, preferably 0.01–0.4%, preferably 0.5–0.3%, preferably 0.1–0.25%, preferably 0.15–0.25% (in each case, percent relative humidity) above the target relative humidity, for example, a threshold value x' of 95.2% relative humidity with a target relative humidity of 95% relative humidity, where x' = 0.2%. The evaporator and / or the dehumidifier, here a piston pump, are preferably also operated in such a way that...that a change in relative humidity caused by temperature changes is avoided or adapted to a desired target value. This is achieved in particular by suitable programming of the dehumidifier control unit 104 for controlling the dehumidifier device 200. This function of the dehumidifier control unit has already been described previously. Fig. 3 schematically shows the components of a control unit 100 according to an embodiment of the invention, which serves for the electronic adjustment of the humidity of an incubator atmosphere in the incubation chamber 51 of an incubator 50 for the incubation of live cell cultures by means of an evaporator device 1. The control unit 100 has a humidity control unit 101, which is set up, in particular programmed, toThe control unit 100 has a heating control unit 102, which is configured, in particular programmed, to regulate the temperature x_TC (controlled variable) of a water-evaporating heating element 7 of the evaporator device 1, measurable by means of a temperature sensor 9, to a constant target temperature w_TC (setpoint), using an evaporation value as the manipulated variable y_TC. The evaporation value is determined by a volume of water that is evaporated by the heating element. The manipulated variable required to maintain the heating element at, for example, the target temperature of 180 °C is directly proportional to the power that is converted into heat. The required power, in turn, is directly proportional to the amount of water.which is supplied to the evaporator on average. The evaporation value can therefore also be viewed and described as the water volume-evaporation power value. Here, the evaporation value is derived from a measurement of the heating power occurring during this control process. This power is particularly proportional to the duty cycle of a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal used to operate the heating element. Alternatively, instead of the heating power, a temperature deviation of the measured temperature from the target temperature can also be used to determine the evaporation value. In the latter case, a concordance list can be created and stored in a data storage device of the control unit, which assigns an evaporation value to each temperature deviation. For the purpose of evaporation, an evaporation temperature is selected that is suitable for evaporating a volume of water in contact with the heating element.e.g., 180°C. The heating element can also be controlled to other target temperatures, e.g., a setback temperature, which, for the purpose of energy saving, can be significantly lower than the evaporation temperature, e.g., 60°C. The control unit 100 has a water flow control unit 103, which is configured, in particular programmed, to use a water flow rate parameter WP to control a water flow device, which determines the current volume of water to be pumped. The water flow control unit can, in particular, have a water flow regulator 103a. Its parameters, in particular its manipulated variable, can be selected differently depending on the operating mode of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 is configured, in particular programmed, to vary the water flow rate parameter WP depending on the evaporation value.until a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere, measurable by means of a humidity sensor 55, corresponds to a target humidity value. Since the evaporation value quantifies the volume of water evaporated, the humidity can be efficiently adjusted, even if the exact volume of water to be evaporated cannot be precisely defined, which is the case, for example, with a microdiaphragm pump at the smallest transported water volumes (5 µl to 40 µl) intended here, due to wetting effects. This provides flexibility regarding the design of the water delivery system. However, it is not impossible to use a water delivery system designed as a precise dosing device and to ensure its technical reliability.that the smallest volume of water conveyed actually reaches the heating element and is completely converted into steam by it. Such a dosing device could be implemented, in particular, by means of one or more piston / piston chambers. The control device may, but need not, include an air dehumidifier control device 104 for dehumidifying the atmosphere of the chamber of the laboratory device, as already described. Fig. 4 schematically shows components of an evaporator device controlled by an exemplary control device 100 according to the invention for regulating the humidity rH in the incubator chamber 51 of a laboratory device 50 with incubation function. The device components shown have already been explained with reference to Figures 1 to 2c; the control device 100, implemented here as a microcontroller with program code (evaporation control algorithm), is explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 3 and all subsequent figures. The control device 100 uses,As shown, the humidity value x_rH, namely the humidity currently measured in the incubator chamber 51 by humidity sensor 55, is used. The control unit 100 also uses, as shown, the temperature x_TC of the water-evaporating heating element 7 measured by temperature sensor 9. The temperature is set to the setpoint w_TC, here 180°C, in a controlled manner. The output of the water supply unit 5 is also controlled. The control unit 100 is configured, and in particular programmed, to operate in two ways: i) in a first operating mode and ii) in a second operating mode. The first operating mode serves, in particular, to lower the humidity as quickly as possible after the door 61 of the incubation chamber 51 has been opened, without significant overshoots that could lead to condensation.to regulate. The second operating mode serves in particular to supply minute quantities of water in the incubation chamber 51 when the door 61 is closed and the humidity has been previously regulated, in order to compensate for the constant (low) leakage of moisture from the incubation chamber when the door 61 is closed. In the first operating mode, the humidity is regulated by a humidity control unit and the water flow rate parameter is regulated by a water flow control unit. In the second operating mode, the humidity is also regulated by a humidity control unit, but the water flow rate parameter WP is not regulated, as will be explained later. In the first operating mode, the water flow unit is operated continuously, at least intermittently and / or predominantly. In the second operating mode, the water flow unit is operated discontinuously.Here, the water pump operates in intermittent or pulsed mode, with only small volume increments being pumped during each operating pulse, as will be explained later. Continuous operation of the water pump requires that it be continuously controlled for a minimum duration t_min1, during which the water pumping capacity parameter, e.g., the duty cycle of a PWM-controlled pump, is greater than zero. Figure 6a shows that the duty cycle (Eppendorf SE, April 28, 2025, 119812P513PC) is greater than zero for approximately t_min1 = 650 s, and the pump is therefore continuously controlled during this time – even though the pump is switched off during each period outside the pulse duration of the PWM control cycles. The control unit 100 is specifically designed, and programmed, to operate in this second operating mode.The device is to be operated in the first operating mode if the relative humidity x_rH falls below a first threshold s1_rh, and if the relative humidity x_rH falls below a second threshold s2_rh, where the second threshold s2_rh is lower than the first threshold s1_rh. During the operation of the laboratory device 50 with the incubator chamber door 61 closed and the relative humidity stabilized, for example, a readjustment of the relative humidity x_rH can be initiated by the relative humidity falling below a first threshold s1_rh, observed by the control unit 100, due to slow leakage. This threshold is chosen to be relatively low depending on the sensitivity of the samples arranged in the chamber, especially living cells: in particular, the first threshold s1_rh is preferably set in a range of 0.01–5%, preferably 0.01–1%.The second operating mode of the control unit 100 can be activated, in particular, when the measured humidity has fallen relatively far below the humidity setpoint w_rH, especially below the second threshold s2_rh. This can occur, in particular, immediately after the door 61 has been opened and then closed again, which can be detected by the control unit 100 via a door sensor. When the door 61 is open, no humidity control takes place, and the heating element is also regulated to a reduced temperature. The second threshold s2_rh can be in a range of preferably 5–100% below the humidity setpoint w_rH. Fig. 5 shows a diagram illustrating the operation of the control unit 100 in the case of the first operating mode.in which the water supply device is continuously controlled and a continuous steam flow is produced. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC According to Figure 5, the control unit 100 for the electronic control of the humidification of the incubator atmosphere has a humidity control unit 101, which is configured, in particular programmed, to regulate a humidity value x_rH of the incubator atmosphere measurable by means of a humidity sensor 55 to a humidity setpoint w_rH (here: 180° C) specified by the incubator or the user, and in doing so uses an evaporation setpoint w_WP as the manipulated variable y_rH. The evaporation setpoint w_WP is quantified by a volume of water and is in particular proportional to this,whose evaporation is required to adjust the humidity of the incubator atmosphere, or is calculated by the control unit as necessary based on the deviation x_rH – w_rH. According to Figure 5, the control unit 100 has a water flow control device 103a, which is configured, in particular programmed, to regulate an evaporation value x_WP to the evaporation setpoint w_WP.and using a water delivery rate parameter WP of the water delivery device 5 as the control variable y_WP. This evaporation value x_WP is proportional to the currently evaporated water volume, and this water delivery rate parameter WP is proportional to the currently delivered water volume. The water delivery rate parameter WP can be a variable delivery frequency (e.g., pump frequency) or rotational speed. Equally preferred is the water delivery rate parameter WP a duty cycle of a water delivery device (e.g., a pump) operated with a PWM-modulated operating voltage and running at a constant delivery frequency (fixed pump frequency). The duty cycle frequency can also be used to select the pump frequency. Preferably, pulse width modulation (PWM) with a variable frequency is used for the pump employed in this embodiment. The duty cycle is also varied with the frequency.since the switch-on time is fixed for this specific pump. The evaporation value x_WP is supplied by the heating control unit: According to Figure 5, the control unit 100 has a heating control unit 102, which is configured, in particular programmed, to regulate the temperature of a heating element 7 of the evaporator device 1, measurable by means of a temperature sensor 9, to a constant target temperature w_TC (here: 180° C), using the (averaged or non-averaged) evaporation value as the manipulated variable y_TC. The target temperature w_TC is suitable for evaporating a volume of water that comes into contact with the heating element 7 during an evaporation process and thereby extracting heat from the heating element 7. The evaporation value x_WP is in particular proportional to a volume of water,which is evaporated by heating element 7. The evaporation value x_WP is derived from a measurement of the heating power occurring in this heating control. This is defined here by a duty cycle of a PWM-controlled heating element, which is operated with a PWM-modulated, constant voltage. The operation of the control unit 100 in continuous operation can be briefly described as follows: The humidity control unit 101 detects insufficient humidity and therefore requests a volume of water (vapor) (y_rH). The water supply unit 103 can supply the water volume, but does not know the exact volume of water that is evaporated and therefore needs this information itself to adjust the supply rate y_WP. This information is supplied by the heating element control loop 102 by outputting a substitute parameter x_WP, which determines the volume of water that is evaporated. The substitute parameter is, in this case, the heating power (PWM).which is required to maintain a constant temperature. Through the combined action of three control loops 101, 102, 103 to ensure continuous water flow and steam production, the humidity can be efficiently regulated even after a significant drop in the measured humidity, particularly without overshoot and thus with a reduced risk of condensation. This is shown in Figures 6a and 6b. Figure 6a shows the time course of the measured humidity x_rH and the corresponding pump power y_WP (pump duty cycle, with a PWM-controlled pump; = water flow rate parameter WP) over a period of time, starting from the situation,The incubator chamber was open for an extended period, and then, with the chamber door closed, humidity control was carried out according to the first operating mode of the control unit 100 Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC. Fig. 6b shows the time course of the temperature ("vaporizer temperature") of the heating element measured during humidity control according to Fig. 6a, the heating power ("vaporizer heater duty cycle" (evaporation value: y_TC = x_WP; "heater PWM" in Fig. 5) of the heating element, and the evaporation target value ("RH controller output (heater target value)", y_rH = w_WP, "vaporizer heating power (PWM SP)" in Fig. 5). The measured humidity x_rH ("RH value") starts at approximately 27% at time 0s. At this point, the evaporation setpoint y_rH is requested by the humidity control device, which corresponds to a specific volume of water, which in turn would be equivalent to a specific heating power (y_TC = x_WP) of the heating element.if the corresponding amount of water were to evaporate there. This quantity is referred to as the evaporation value. This required evaporation output can be expressed by the duty cycle ("PWM SP", see Fig. 5) of the PWM-controlled heating element. In Fig. 6b, this quantity is labeled "RH controller output (heater target value)" and remains constant at approximately 85% until time t1 = 470s, as can be read on the left ordinate (labeled "Duty cycle") of the diagram. The temperature "Vaporizer temperature" is at the setpoint of 180 °C at time 0s, as can be read on the right ordinate of the diagram. The pump output y_WP is at a duty cycle of 2% at time 0s.This can be seen on the right ordinate of the diagram in Fig. 6a ("Duty cycle"). Due to the large difference between the evaporation value x_WP and the evaporation setpoint w_WP at time 0s, the pump power is rapidly increased to a maximum value of 4% of the duty cycle by approximately 25s (Fig. 6a, right ordinate "duty cycle"). Alternatively, the pump frequency could also be increased, as indicated by the entry "pump frequency" in Fig. 5 for y_WP. Due to the high pump power, the value for y_TC (evaporation value) also rises sharply, since the continuously arriving volume of water at the heating element extracts heat from the heating element, which consequently maximizes its heating power. The evaporation value / heating power thus immediately follows the maximum set evaporation setpoint w_WP. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC The control unit 100 is designed, in particular programmed, to regulate the air humidity value x_rH in such a way thatThe humidity value is asymptotically approached to the humidity setpoint w_rH = 5% (Fig. 6a, right ordinate), thus preventing overshoot. To achieve this, the evaporation setpoint w_WP is reduced when the measured humidity x_rH exceeds a threshold s1_rH, which here is approximately 58%, corresponding to about 83% of the humidity setpoint w_rH = 70%, and is measured at approximately t1 = 465 s. The evaporation setpoint is controlled based on the humidity value. However, the maximum is limited to 85% to prevent the system from operating "in saturation," meaning that upward deviations (excessive power) are also detected to reduce the pump output. From t1 onwards, the control system (due to P and I parameterization) requests less than this maximum.so that a variable profile becomes visible. The pump output does not appear to be reduced at time t1 until t=500s and continues to deliver at maximum output until time 500s. This is due to the fact that the pump's duty cycle is only displayed as whole percentages, or in steps from 5% to 4%, to 3%, to 2%, to 1%, and to zero, while internally a much finer parameterization of the duty cycle is used, which is not visible here ("externally"). Accordingly, the pump output is reduced, following the evaporation setpoint, but is temporarily increased again at approximately t2=660s and t3=750s, following a temporary drop in humidity. As a result of the continuous water pumping up to time 500s, the relative humidity x_rH also rises rapidly there (Fig. 6a, left ordinate). From then on, the relative humidity asymptotically approaches the target relative humidity (70%).without exceeding it. Fig. 7 shows a diagram illustrating the operation of the control device 100 in the case of the second operating mode, in which the water conveying device is controlled discontinuously and a discontinuous steam output is produced. Fig. 8a shows the time course of the measured relative humidity x_rH (“RH value”, blue curve) and the pump duty cycle applied y_WP (“pump duty cycle”, with PWM-controlled pump; = water delivery rate parameter WP, orange curve) over a period from 3050s to 3550s, i.e., over a duration of approximately 500s, starting from the situation that the incubator chamber had been closed for an extended period, that a small leak in the incubator chamber had led to a drop in relative humidity from 70% (setpoint) to 69.6%, a threshold value.The falling below of this value initiates a readjustment of the humidity in the second operating mode. Fig. 8b shows the time course of the temperature ("vaporizer temperature") of the heating element and the heating power ("vaporizer heater duty cycle") (evaporation value: y_TC = x_WP; "heater PWM" in Fig. 5) of the heating element, as measured during the humidity control according to Fig. 8a. In contrast to the control in Fig. 6b, the evaporation target value is not used here ("RH controller output (heater target value)", y_rH = w_WP, "vaporizer heating power (PWM SP)" in Fig. 5). At time 3050s, the heating element is at the reduced temperature of approximately 95 °C. In the following seconds, the humidity in the chamber drops below a threshold of 69.6%, and the control unit then initially regulates the heating element back to the evaporation temperature of 180 °C.This is evident from the sudden increase in the "vaporizer heater duty cycle" (orange curve in Fig. 8b) to 100%. This occurs between approximately 3060s and 3115s (see Fig. 8b, blue curve "vaporizer temperature"). Before the pump is activated (before times t6, t7, t8, t9), the control unit repeatedly determines whether the heating temperature (vaporizer temperature in Fig. 8b) is constant and starts the pump at these times, as the heating temperature is constant then. The pump operates at a duty cycle of 10% until an increase in heating power is detected in the "vaporizer heater duty cycle" parameter (Fig. 8b). Therefore, the highest point of the heating power is not the determining factor.which the heating control requires due to the arrival / evaporation of a water volume delivered according to the pump output. The pump output y_rH = WP directly forms the control variable for the humidity control. The water delivery is not regulated here, but is controlled and adjusted by the Eppendorf SE 28 April 2025 119812P513PC humidity control unit, which forms the water delivery control unit. This type of pump control at times t6, t7, t8, t9 is also referred to as pulse operation of the water delivery unit. This control is specifically tailored to this pump and ensures that the pump delivers only very small volumes of water. This can be seen in a comparison of Figs. 8a and 8b.The water release initiated by the humidity control unit at time t7 evidently results in a significantly smaller quantity of water reaching the heating element than the next water release at time t8 = 3310 s. The humidity control unit detects the water release at times t6 and t7, but no increase in the humidity value x_rH (“RH value” in Fig. 8a) is detected – the corresponding value x_TC is evaluated by the humidity control unit. The humidity control unit is programmed to execute another pump pulse in the event of unsuccessful droplet release (if the humidity value x_rH does not increase or a humidity threshold has not been exceeded), specifically as soon as the temperature of the heating element (vaporizer temperature in Fig. 8b) is considered constant again: the water release at time t6 was unsuccessful.The next release of water at time t7 occurs approximately 120 seconds later. The water release at time t7 also did not lead to an increase in humidity. The next release at time t8 occurs again approximately 120 seconds later and again does not lead to an increase in humidity. The period until t9 is then relatively long, as the heating element temperature takes longer to return to a constant level. This is the case at t9. Consequently, since the humidity control unit observes an increase in humidity after the pump operation at t9, and since the humidity value also exceeds a predefined threshold of 69.75%, no further pump operation is initiated. The humidity rises to slightly more than the setpoint w_rH = 70% between 3450 and 3500 seconds, and then approaches the desired setpoint of 70%, where it remains constant.so that the second operating mode is terminated. Now, the heating element is generally regulated back to its setback temperature. In the second operating mode, the water supply is not automatic according to continuous feedback and is therefore unregulated. In contrast, the humidity is regulated, Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC, where the control variable for humidity regulation is directly the water flow rate parameter WP, which is determined by the program of the humidity control device in order to control the pump. The invention according to a preferred embodiment enables robust and precise control of humidity in all operating states of a laboratory device for incubation, in particular an incubation shaker or incubator. In particular, the rapid adjustment without significant overshoot and the addition of even the smallest amounts of water in the static state (e.g., ~40 µL to adjust the humidity of 84,Increasing the evaporation rate (from 6% to 85% at a chamber volume of 225 liters and 37°C) is advantageous here. This is achieved by ensuring that the evaporator 1 only contains as much water as can be evaporated within a very short time. This is accomplished by incorporating the current evaporation rate, e.g., the heating power, into the control of the water delivery rate of the water pump. When no more steam is required, the water pump is switched off, and no significant amount of water remains in the evaporator, which would lead to a prolonged run-on period. Consequently, condensation does not form in the incubator chamber. Condensation in the incubation chamber poses a contamination risk, as microorganisms can colonize it. Furthermore, this algorithm-controlled system does not require a level sensor in a water tank.This is because, due to insufficient heating power requested at the heating element over a certain period, it can be determined that no water is reaching the evaporator. A further advantage is that no flow sensor is required in the supply hose or on the evaporator itself, leading to savings in manufacturing costs. This is achieved by determining the amount of steam produced by evaporator 1 based on the power consumption of the heating element (evaporation setpoint). This target value is maintained primarily by regulating the water flow rate (frequency / speed variation or duty cycle in the case of a PWM-controlled water delivery system with a constant frequency). The algorithm-controlled system is therefore able to maintain comparable operation even if, for example, twice the amount of water is delivered to the evaporator per water delivery cycle.Because of the increased tank position and gravity, there is an increased flow rate. The described functionality (Eppendorf SE, April 28, 2025, 119812P513PC) also makes it possible to generate a continuous steam jet of varying intensity or to limit the maximum steam supplied per unit of time if required by the system being humidified. Furthermore, this invention requires only one temperature sensor for the described water droplet detection, which is also used for temperature control of the heating surface. Finally, it should be explicitly emphasized that this control device optionally allows for continuous steam generation.

Claims

Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC Claims 1. Control device (100) for electronically adjusting the humidity of an incubator atmosphere of a laboratory device (50) for incubating live cell cultures by means of an evaporator device (1), comprising: - a humidity control device (101) configured to regulate the humidity value (x_rH) to a humidity setpoint (w_rH), - a heating control device (102) configured to regulate the temperature (T) of a water-evaporating heating element (7) of the evaporator device (1), measurable by means of a temperature sensor (9), to a constant target temperature (Tset), and using an evaporation value (x_WP; y_TC) as the control variable, and wherein in particular the evaporation value (x_WP;y_TC) from a measurement of a heating power occurring during this control or a temperature deviation of the measured temperature from the target temperature, wherein in particular the evaporation value (x_WP; y_TC) is determined by a volume of water that is evaporated by the heating element, and wherein the target temperature can be selected as an evaporation temperature suitable for evaporating a volume of water in contact with the heating element; - a water delivery control device (103) configured to use a water delivery rate parameter (y_WP; WP) for controlling a water delivery device (5) that determines a volume of water currently to be delivered, - wherein the control device is configured to adjust the water delivery rate parameter (y_WP; WP) as a function of the evaporation value (x_WP;y_TC) to vary until a humidity value (x_rH) of the incubator atmosphere measurable by means of a humidity sensor (55) corresponds to a target humidity value (w_rH).; Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC 2. Control device according to claim 1, which is configured to be operated in a first operating mode and / or to be operated in a second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode the setting of the water delivery rate parameter is carried out by a water delivery control, wherein in particular in the second operating mode the setting of the water delivery rate parameter is not regulated. 3.A control device according to claim 2, which is configured, in particular programmed, such that in the first operating mode the evaporation value is used to determine the controlled variable (x_WP) of the water flow control, and in particular an evaporation setpoint (w_WP) is used as the manipulated variable of the water flow control, and in particular in the second operating mode the water flow rate parameter (WP) is used as the manipulated variable (y_rH) of the humidity control, which is in particular set by the control device depending on the evaporation value.

4. A control device according to claim 3, wherein the humidity control device is configured, in particular programmed, to use an evaporation setpoint (x_WP; y_TC) as the manipulated variable in a first operating mode of the control device, and in particular in a second operating mode of the control device the water flow rate parameter (WP) as the manipulated variable. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC wherein, in particular, this evaporation setpoint (x_WP; y_TC) determines a water volume whose evaporation is required to adjust the humidity of the incubator atmosphere, wherein, in particular, the humidity setpoint is specified by the incubator or the user; - wherein the water delivery control device has a water delivery control device which is configured to regulate the evaporation value (x_WP; y_TC) to the evaporation setpoint (y_rH = w_WP) in a first operating mode of the control device, using the water delivery rate parameter (WP) as the manipulated variable (y_WP). 5.A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is configured, in particular programmed, to be operated in a first operating mode and / or to be operated in a second operating mode, and in the first operating mode to operate the water conveying device continuously, and in particular in the second operating mode to operate the water conveying device discontinuously, in particular in pulsed operation. 6.Control device according to one of claims 2 to 5, which is configured to operate in the first operating mode when the humidity value falls below a first threshold, and to operate in the second operating mode when the humidity value falls below a second threshold, wherein the first threshold is lower than the second threshold, wherein in particular the first threshold is in a range of preferably 0.1% - 0.4% below the humidity setpoint, and wherein in particular the second threshold is in a range of preferably 0.4% - 3.0% below the humidity setpoint. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC 7. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to detect and process a door opening value detected by a door sensor of an incubator, and in particular to switch off the water supply device and / or reduce the power of the heating element when, according to the door opening value, a door of the incubator chamber of the incubator is open, and / or when, according to the door opening value, a door of the incubator chamber of the incubator is closed again after a door opening, to be operated in a first operating mode, and in particular to operate the water supply device continuously in the first operating mode. 8.A control device according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to operate in a third operating mode in which the target temperature of the heating element is selected to be lower than the evaporation temperature, in particular as the temperature at which a volume of water in contact with the heating element does not evaporate.

9. A control device according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises program code stored in a program code memory, the execution of which starts, stops, or maintains an evaporation process, in particular by defining the water flow rate parameter. 10.Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporation value is determined as a function of, in particular proportionally to, an average power of the heating element or as a function of, in particular proportionally to, a difference between a current heating element temperature and a target temperature of the heating element.

11. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a program code is programmed to determine whether the evaporation setpoint of. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC whether the evaporation value has been reached within a predetermined time period, and in particular, if this is not the case, to switch off the water supply device.

12. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising program code stored in a program code memory, which is programmed to determine, via time-dependent detection and processing of the evaporation value, which is defined in particular by a temperature change or a heating power change of the heating element, whether a predetermined threshold value of the evaporation value has been exceeded, in particular within a predetermined time difference, and in particular to switch off the water supply device if it is determined that a predetermined threshold value of the humidity has been exceeded, in particular within a predetermined time difference. 13.Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is configured to regulate the humidity value by asymptotically approximating the humidity value to the humidity setpoint, so that, in particular, overshoot is prevented.

14. Method for electronically controlling the humidification of the incubator atmosphere of an incubator for the incubation of live cell cultures, in particular for regulating the humidity of the incubator atmosphere, comprising the steps of: - regulating a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere, measurable by means of a humidity sensor, to a humidity setpoint by means of a humidity control device; - regulating a temperature of a heating element of the evaporator device, measurable by means of a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature by means of a heating control device. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC wherein the target temperature is selectable as an evaporation temperature suitable for evaporating a volume of water in contact with the heating element; - using a water delivery rate parameter to control a water delivery device by means of a water delivery control device, wherein the water delivery rate parameter determines a volume of water to be delivered at present, - varying the water delivery rate parameter depending on the evaporation value until a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere measurable by means of a humidity sensor corresponds to a humidity setpoint.

15. Method according to claim 14, comprising the steps of: - controlling a humidity value of the incubator atmosphere measurable by means of a humidity sensor to a humidity setpoint setpoint set by the incubator or- Control of an evaporation value to the evaporation setpoint specified by the user by means of an air humidity control device, wherein an evaporation setpoint is used as the control variable, wherein in particular this evaporation setpoint corresponds to a volume of water, in particular is proportional to a volume of water, the evaporation of which is required to adjust the humidity of the incubator atmosphere, - Control of an evaporation value to the evaporation setpoint by means of a water delivery control device of the evaporator device, wherein a water delivery rate parameter of a water delivery device is used as the control variable, wherein in particular this evaporation value corresponds to a currently evaporated volume of water, in particular is proportional to this, and this water delivery rate parameter corresponds to a currently delivered volume of water, in particular is proportional to this. Eppendorf SE April 28, 2025 119812P513PC - Control of a temperature of a heating element of the evaporator device, measurable by means of a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature by means of a heating control device, wherein the evaporation value is used as the control variable, wherein in particular the target temperature is selected as an evaporation temperature which is suitable to evaporate a volume of water coming into contact with the heating element during an evaporation process and thereby extracting heat from the heating element, and wherein in particular the evaporation value is proportional to a volume of water that is evaporated by the heating element, and which results from a measurement of a heating power occurring during this control or a temperature deviation of the measured temperature from the target temperature.

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