Humidifier Water Valve Pulsed Control to Reduce Water Waste
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifiers waste water and energy by delivering water continuously to the humidifier pad during a call for humidity, leading to inefficiencies and increased burden on sewer or septic systems, as more water is drained than evaporated, and energy is wasted in heating domestic hot water for evaporation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pulsed water delivery pattern to the humidifier pad, such as a 50% duty cycle, where water is delivered only during specific intervals, and using a motorized damper to control airflow, allowing for efficient humidity transfer while minimizing water waste and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is delivered continuously to the humidifier pad during a call for humidity, then the humidifier can maintain humidity levels, but water is wasted and energy is consumed heating domestic hot water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic water delivery to the humidifier pad by cycling the water valve on and off during a call for humidity. The controller delivers water in intervals rather than continuously, allowing the pad to evaporate moisture during off-periods. This periodic action reduces water waste while maintaining effective humidity levels in the building.
2Quantity of substance
If water is delivered continuously to the humidifier pad, then evaporation can occur, but more water is drained than evaporated and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system cycles water delivery periodically, delivering water in intervals rather than continuously. During off-periods, the water already on the pad evaporates into the air stream without requiring additional heated water. This reduces both energy consumption from water heating and the quantity of water that must be heated and subsequently drained.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller delivers water in advance during the on-periods, establishing a water supply on the pad before the off-periods begin. This preliminary water delivery allows natural evaporation to occur during off-periods without requiring continuous heated water flow, thereby reducing energy waste.
3Extent of automation
If a solenoid water valve is used to control water flow, then water delivery can be automated, but the valve lifespan is reduced due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automates water delivery using periodic on-off cycling of the solenoid water valve. By keeping the valve closed during off-periods and opening it only during on-periods, the valve undergoes fewer operational cycles compared to continuous operation. This extended idle time reduces wear and extends the service life of the solenoid water valve while maintaining automated control.
4Ease of operation
If the bypass damper remains open, then air can flow through the humidifier, but water waste increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass damper is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting its position based on humidification needs. The controller opens the damper during calls for humidity to allow air flow through the moistened pad, then closes it during off-periods. This dynamic control optimizes both airflow operation and energy efficiency by preventing unnecessary air circulation when humidification is not required.
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 pulsed water delivery and motorized damper control reduce water waste and energy usage, achieving targeted humidity levels while maintaining efficient operation and extending the lifespan of water source control valves.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure differential created by the main circulating fan or blower of the HVAC system between the return air duct and the supply air duct is used to draw air from the supply air duct, through the humidifier pad of the humidifier, and to the return duct of the HVAC system
Implementation Method 2
Evaporative humidifiers are widely used in conjunction with forced air residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Data Source
AI summary
A call for humidity signal may activate a water valve of a humidifier to cause water to flow onto a humidifier pad within the humidifier. In some examples, a controller may activate the water valve in a pattern such that most of the water evaporates, rather than flowing to a drain system, yet still provides the requested humidity level. In some examples, the controller is configured to cause the water valve to deliver water to the humidifier pad in a water delivery pattern having a controlled period and a controlled duty cycle.