Humidifier and air composition adjustment device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifiers face challenges in efficiently humidifying internal spaces within storage chambers, particularly in recovering water when external humidity is low and in managing pressure in water tanks, leading to insufficient humidification.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier system that includes an air path for water-extraction air, a cooling unit to condense water vapor, a water extracting unit to store water, and a humidifying unit to supply water to the internal space, with a discharge path to manage pressure and store water efficiently, allowing for effective humidification without continuous water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is extracted from cooled air in a storage chamber, then the internal space can be humidified, but excessive pressure builds up in the water tank when external humidity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The air path is divided into a main path that supplies air to the target space and a discharge path that vents excess air. This segmentation allows the system to manage pressure by directing excess air through the discharge path, preventing excessive pressure buildup in the water tank while maintaining adequate water storage for humidification.
Solution Approach 2:
A three-way valve acts as an intermediary to switch between the main path and discharge path. This valve mediates the flow of air, allowing the system to control pressure by routing air through appropriate paths based on current conditions, thereby preventing excessive pressure while ensuring sufficient water extraction for humidification.
2Reliability
If compressed air is cooled to extract water, then water can be recovered for humidification, but the system becomes inefficient when external humidity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the main path and discharge path using a three-way valve based on external humidity conditions. When external humidity is low, the discharge path is activated to prevent pressure buildup that would reduce extraction efficiency. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliable humidification while optimizing water extraction efficiency under varying external conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching air flow paths based on external humidity levels. By adjusting the air flow configuration through the three-way valve, the system adapts to changing external conditions, maintaining effective humidification while preventing pressure-related efficiency losses when external humidity is low.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a water tank is used to store extracted water, then humidification can be maintained, but pressure management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply path and pressure management functions are merged into a single system using a three-way valve. This valve simultaneously controls air flow to the target space and manages pressure by routing excess air to the discharge path. This merging eliminates the need for separate pressure management components, maintaining long-term humidification capability while reducing overall system complexity.
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
The system effectively humidifies the internal space by managing pressure and storing sufficient water, ensuring efficient operation even when external humidity is low, and preventing excessive pressure buildup in the water tank.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit (240) that cools the water-extraction air in the air path (220)
Implementation Method 2
a water extracting unit (250) that extracts water that is generated when the water-extraction air is cooled by the cooling unit (240)
Data Source
AI summary
A humidifier cools air in an air path that supplies the air to an internal space of a storage chamber such as a container or a warehouse, extracts water in a water extracting unit, stores the extracted water in a humidifying unit, and humidifies the internal space. The air path includes a main path that communicates with the internal space and a discharge path that discharges a part or all of water-extraction air to the outside of the target space, so that the humidifier can sufficiently humidify the internal space without receiving supply of water.