Methods, systems, and devices for humidifying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidification methods are not scalable, energy-intensive, prone to scale and organic growth, and lack modularity, making them difficult to control and costly for 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 optimize performance, reduce energy consumption, and extend the life of the humidifier by rotating active units and minimizing condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If evaporative type humidifiers are used, then humidification is provided, but energy consumption becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the humidification function into multiple independent spray units that can operate separately. Each spray unit is a self-contained module with its own nozzle, water supply, and control, allowing the system to achieve effective humidification through coordinated operation of multiple smaller units rather than relying on a single high-energy evaporative system.
2Reliability
If flow-through humidifiers are used, then humidification is provided, but water-produced scale and organic growth develop
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes water from the humidification process through a drainage mechanism. Each spray unit includes a drain that actively removes used water from the system, preventing the accumulation of water that would otherwise lead to scale formation and organic growth in flow-through humidifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards used water through automated drainage after it has served its humidification purpose. This prevents the stagnation of water in reservoirs and passages, eliminating the conditions necessary for scale buildup and biological contamination while maintaining continuous humidification effectiveness.
3Reliability
If previous humidification approaches are used, then humidification is provided, but they lack modularity and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple identical, interchangeable spray units that can be configured in various arrangements. Each unit is a modular module that can be independently installed, removed, or replaced, allowing the system to be scaled to different sizes and adapted to different space requirements without redesigning the entire humidification system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray units are designed as universal modules that can function in various configurations and locations. Each unit contains all necessary components (nozzle, water supply, drainage, control) to operate independently, making them adaptable to different installation environments and scalable from small to large space applications.
4Reliability
If previous humidification approaches are used, then humidification is provided, but they are difficult to control and expensive to install and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The spray units incorporate automated controls that manage water flow, spray activation, and drainage without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates operation based on humidification needs, and the modular design allows individual units to be easily replaced or maintained without affecting the entire system, reducing both operational complexity and maintenance costs.
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 and reliable humidification and cooling in a single device, reducing energy usage and extending the life of the humidifier by minimizing condensation and allowing for customized configurations, while maintaining desired humidity levels.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of spray units (110-132) 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
spray units (110-132) in an array, for instance (e.g., as part of a humidifying device or unit (hereinafter referred to as a 'humidifier'))
Implementation Method 3
By operating the spray units independently of each other, embodiments of the present disclosure can allow each spray unit to be used for a reduced period of time and/or at intervals with respect to previous approaches. Independent operation can increase a lifetime of each individual spray unit, for instance, as well as a humidifier incorporating the array of spray heads.
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.