Air conditioner and humidification method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-row precision air conditioners face unstable humidification, high water quality requirements, and heavy maintenance due to the inefficiencies of electrode humidification methods, leading to increased Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a circulating water tank, a wet film humidification module, and a heat exchanger, where water is pumped to form an even film on the wet film, allowing dry air to pass through and evaporate moisture efficiently, with a water division tray for recycling and a solenoid valve for automated water supply, reducing water quality requirements and preventing scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrode humidification method is used, then humidification function is provided, but water quality requirement is high and scaling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrode humidification method (electrical/thermal system) with a evaporative cooling humidification system using a water wheel. Water is pumped to the water wheel and evaporates as it flows, providing humidification without direct electrical contact with water, thereby eliminating scaling issues and reducing water quality requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the humidification mechanism from electrical heating to evaporative cooling. By using the evaporation of water on the rotating water wheel, the system achieves humidification at lower temperatures, preventing scale formation and reducing water quality constraints.
2Reliability
If electrode humidification method is used, then humidification is achieved, but power consumption is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-power electrical heating system with a low-power evaporative cooling system. The water wheel is driven by water flow itself, and humidification occurs through natural evaporation, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining effective humidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The water wheel system is self-driven by the water flow from the pump. The kinetic energy of the flowing water rotates the wheel, which distributes water for evaporation without requiring additional motors or high-power inputs. The system uses the water's own energy to achieve humidification.
3Quantity of substance
If high-temperature water vapor is mixed with cold wind, then humidification is provided, but water vapor condenses and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the water vapor source from high-temperature (electrode heating) to low-temperature (evaporative cooling). The water evaporating from the water wheel is already at or near ambient temperature, so when mixed with cold air from the air conditioner, condensation is minimized and humidification efficiency is maintained.
4Duration of action of moving object
If electrode humidifier operates for long time, then humidification is continuous, but water storage tank scales and service life shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrode-based system with an evaporative water wheel system. Without electrical heating elements that generate scale, the water circulation system experiences minimal scaling. The water wheel and pump system can operate continuously with regular water changes, significantly extending service life.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances humidification efficiency, reduces power consumption by 95%, extends the service life of the humidification component by 80%, and minimizes maintenance, while maintaining air humidity and preventing water vapor condensation.
Implementation Method 1
a water outlet of the manifold faces the wet film, a water inlet of the manifold communicates with the circulating water tank by using a pipe, and a circulating water pump configured to pump water inside the circulating water tank into the manifold to form a water film on the wet film
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger is configured to heat the water film on the wet film
Implementation Method 3
the heat exchanger is configured to heat the water film on the wet film
Implementation Method 4
the fan is disposed at an air outlet of the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An air conditioner includes a fan (6), a humidification component, and a heat exchanger (7). The fan (6) is disposed at an air outlet of the heat exchanger (7). The humidification component includes a circulating water tank (4), a humidification module (1), and a water division tray (8). The circulating water tank (4) is configured to contain water. The humidification module (1) includes a wet film covering an air inlet of the heat exchanger (7), and further includes a manifold. The water division tray (8) is located below the humidification module (1), and is configured to recycle water dripping from the wet film. Water in the water division tray (8) flows into the circulating water tank (4) through a return pipe. A humidification method of an air conditioner is further disclosed.