Methods, systems, and devices for humidifying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidification methods lack scalability, modularity, and energy efficiency, often leading to unreliable and costly solutions that struggle with condensation issues and energy consumption in various interior spaces, including specialized commercial operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular humidification system with independently controlled spray units, which adjusts water spray based on temperature, relative humidity, and air speed to minimize condensation and energy usage, allowing for efficient humidification and cooling in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic humidifiers are used, then humidification can be achieved in small spaces, but they are insufficient for larger spaces and lack scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The humidification system is divided into multiple independently controllable spray units arranged in an array. Each spray unit can be operated separately or in combination with others, allowing the system to be scaled and configured for different space sizes and humidity requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between scalability and reliability.
2Reliability
If evaporative type humidifiers are used, then humidification can be provided, but they consume a prohibitive amount of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameters of water delivery by using spray units that atomize water into fine droplets. This approach requires minimal energy compared to evaporative humidifiers while maintaining effective humidification, thus resolving the contradiction between humidification effectiveness and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If flow-through humidifiers are used, then humidification can be achieved, but they develop water-produced scale and organic growth
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates spray units in alternating cycles, periodically activating different units while others remain dormant. This periodic operation allows dormant units to dry out, preventing the development of scale and organic growth while maintaining continuous humidification capability, thus resolving the contradiction between humidification performance and harmful factor generation.
4Reliability
If previous humidification approaches are used, then humidification can be provided, but they lack modularity and are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of multiple spray units with independently adjustable operation parameters. The control system can dynamically activate, deactivate, and adjust individual spray units based on real-time humidity requirements, providing precise control and enhanced modularity while maintaining reliable humidification delivery.
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 provides efficient, reliable, and cost-effective humidification and cooling by extending the life of spray units, reducing condensation, and minimizing energy consumption, while maintaining desired humidity levels in various spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of spray units (110-118) in an array and a second plurality of spray units (120-132) in an array. Each spray unit of the array can be controlled and/or operated (e.g., turned on and/or off) independently
Implementation Method 2
a rotating mechanism (108) that rotates the array of spray units about a central axis of the rotating mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for humidifying are described herein. One method includes determining a temperature in a space associated with a humidifying unit, determining a relative humidity in the space, determining an air speed associated with the humidifying unit, and adjusting an amount of water sprayed by the humidifying unit based, at least in part, on the temperature, the relative humidity, and the air speed.