Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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HUMIDIFYING UNIT FOR A HVAC SYSTEM
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
The presently disclosed subject matter, relates to a humidifying unit in
general
and in particular to a humidifying unit for a Heating Ventilation and Air
Conditioning
(hereinafter HVAC).
BACKGROUND
The presently disclosed subject matter, in some examples thereof, relates to a
humidifying unit for a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
and,
more particularly, but not exclusively, to a humidifying unit that is operable
to be retrofit
on existing HVAC systems.
Various humidifiers have been used in the connection with home or commercial
heating systems to increase the humidity level of a discharged, heated air
stream. A
proper humidity level in the air can enhance the comfort level of an occupant
in a heated
room as the moisture in the air is known to inhibit discomfort associated with
undesirable drying of the nasal passages. Furthermore, the increase in air
moisture
enables the occupant to feel more comfortable at a lower temperature level and
thereby
can be used to reduce costs associated with heating.
Evaporative cooling systems that humidify circulated air are also known to be
used to augment cooling provided by traditional air circulators. Some known
evaporative
cooling systems operate with a fluid source in combination with a powered
propeller to
draw an airstream through a water-soaked filter. Optionally, a separate, stand-
alone
pumping system is used to supply fluid to augment the cooling provided by a
separate
air circulator.
U.S. Patent No. 3,855,371 entitled "Humidifying Apparatus for Warm Air Ducts
and the Like," the content of which is incorporated herein by reference
describes an
atomizing or spray type humidifier assembly that can be removably mounted in
an air
conveying duct, such as a main trunk horizontal duct, of a hot air heating
system. The
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humidifier assembly includes a solenoid controlled spray nozzle and a multi-
layer screen
supported in an elongated tunnel structure of rectangular cross-section having
opposite
open ends to be removably positioned wholly within the air conveying duct.
U.S. Patent No. 4,006,674 entitled "Humidifiers for forced air systems," the
content of which is incorporated by reference herein describes a humidifier
for use in
forced air heating systems. The humidifier includes a housing having a water
reservoir
adapted to be positioned adjacent an air register, outlet or diffuser. A duct
in
communication with the air register is provided within the housing for
delivery of air to
the water reservoir, and a flexible curtain or baffle is positioned within the
housing
across said duct and extending into the water of said reservoir. The
arrangement
requires the forced air entering the duct to flex, balloon or bow out the
curtain to raise it
above the water surface in order to escape to the outside. The device is
adaptable to
forced air floor, wall or overhead registers, outlets or diffusers.
U.S. Patent No. 4,741,871 entitled "Free flow humidifier," the content of
which
is incorporated by reference herein describes a humidifier for use in
combination with a
hot air forced heating system. The humidifier consists of a main housing
(water box)
which maintains a constant water level from an existing water source and
controlled by a
float control valve. The water is heated by a hot water heating coil. Hot air
is directed
into, through, and back into the main hot air stream. During this process, the
hot dry air
picks up moisture, becoming saturated, which is returned and mixed in the hot
air supply
duct, providing humidity throughout the entire system. The amount of air and
humidity
can be controlled by the inlet dampers, which regulates the amount of air
flowing
through the humidifier.
U.S. Patent No. 4,986,937 entitled "Central air duct scooper humidifier," the
content of which is incorporated herein by reference describes an ultrasonic
humidifier
system which is mounted to an air duct of a heating system. A vibrator excites
water
within a reservoir so as to create a fog within a fog chamber. A panel directs
air flow
from an upstream furnace into the fog chamber for interaction of the air flow
with the
fog. This interaction increases the moisture content of the air flow so as to
increase the
humidity level thereof. Reed switches are provided to preclude vibration if
the level
within the reservoir is low and/or if no air stream is delivered from the
furnace.
U.S. Patent No. 6,850,698 entitled "Humidifier for use with source of heated
air," the content of which is incorporated herein by reference describes a
free-standing
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humidifier that is suitable for placement near a source of heated air.
Optionally, the
humidifier is placed over a floor register in a home. The humidifier has a
main reservoir
for holding water, a rod having a length sufficient to extend across the
reservoir, and
panels that support the rod. A disposable paper towel is draped over the rod
and one end
of the paper towel is inserted through an opening in the top of the reservoir
into water in
the reservoir. Air flowing from the source impinges upon the paper towel and
picks up
moisture from it. A supplemental reservoir can be used to automatically supply
additional water to the main reservoir from a water line that has a valve
controlled by a
float which turns the valve on and off.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
According to one aspect of the presently disclose subject matter there is
provided
a humidifying unit for a heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system
comprising
a tray disposed at the airways of the HVAC system configured to hold water
therein and
for humidifying the air stream in the airways. The humidifying unit can be
provided as a
stand-alone apparatus for integrating in the airways of a HVAC, or can be
integrally
formed in the airways of an HVAC system.
The humidifying unit can be configured to be integrated or installed in a
ductwork of a central HVAC system or in the airways of a single room unit such
as
ductless system, a split-system, window air conditioner or a portable system.
The humidifying unit can be provided with a humidity level by controlling the
exposure of airstream to the water in the tray control which according to an
example can
be in the form of a moving lid disposed over the tray.
The humidifying unit allows a passive operation of introducing humidity into
the
air steam of the HVAC system by utilizing the kinetics of the air stream
flowing in the
airways thereof.
According to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the
humidifying unit is integrated into an air handler of a ductless HVAC unit
proximal to a
vent through which air stream is pushed out. The humidifying unit can include
a tray,
channel and/or box for holding water. The tray can be integral to a frame of
the vent in
the air handler through which air stream is blown out. The frame of the air
handler can
provide a dedicated space and/or base for positioning the humidifying unit.
Optionally,
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frames of existing air handlers are modified to provide the dedicated space
and/or base.
The tray can further include one or more water inlets and/or outlets.
The humidifying unit can be operable to increase a humidity level of air
stream
outflow from the HVAC system during heating, ventilation and also during
cooling.
During heating, the hot air stream blown out of the HVAC system passes over
the tray
filled with water leading to evaporation. The inventor has found that since
both the
velocity of air flow and the temperature of the air stream is relatively high
as it exits the
vent, a relatively high rate of evaporation can be achieved by pacing the
humidifying
unit near the vent.
Optionally, while the HVAC system is operated in a cooling mode, e.g. air
conditioning mode, water that is condensed during cooling is directed toward
the tray
and used to humidify the air stream outflow of the HVAC system. Although, the
rate of
evaporation is typically lower during cooling, the inventors have found that
some water
will be absorbed in the air stream. Optionally, while the HVAC system is
operated in
ventilation mode and the ventilated air is relatively warm and dry, HVAC
system
together with the humidifying unit can be operated as an evaporated cooling
system to
both cool and humidify the ventilated air.
According to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the
humidifying unit is integrated into a grille and/or ductwork connector of a
mini-duct or
duct HVAC unit. The humidifying unit can include a tray for holding water that
is
integral to the grille or ductwork connector. As used herein the term ductwork
connector
refers to a part that used to connect duct tubing to a grille. The tray can
include one or
more water inlets and/or outlets through which tubing can be connected.
According to further examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, the
humidifying unit is integrated into a main airflow duct channel of a central
HVAC
system and is operable to humidify the air stream outflow prior to splitting
the air stream
outflow to a plurality of different ducts.
According to a further aspect of the presently disclose subject matter there
is
provided a HVAC system having airways configured to direct airflow towards a
confined area, the system comprising a humidifying unit having a tray disposed
in the
airways and configured to hold water therein, the tray is so disposed in said
airways such
that the water humidifies the airflow in said airways controlling thereby the
humidity
level in the confined area.
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The water tray can be integrally formed with a wall portion of the airways.
The
airways can include a duct channel having a grille and wherein the water tray
is
integrally formed with said grille. The airways can include a ductwork
connector and
wherein the water tray is integrated therein.
The HVAC system can be a central air system having a central duct and the
water tray can disposed in said duct.
The humidifying unit can include an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the
surface area of the water exposed to the airflow in the airway. The adjusting
mechanism
can include a lid configured to be selectively disposed with respect to the
tray
determining thereby the surface area of the water exposed to the air in the
airway.
The HVAC system can further include a controller for controlling the
disposition
of the lid in accordance with the desired humidity level. The HVAC system can
include
a water inlet line connected to the water tray via a water inlet port. The
HVAC system
can include a condensation drainer being configured to direct water from a
condensation
drain towards the tray. The controller can be operative to initiate filling of
water in
response to turning on of the HVAC system.
The tray can be provided with a drain line configured to drain the water
inside
the water tray. A controller can be provided and can be operative to initiate
draining of
water in the water tray in response to turning off of the HVAC system.
The adjusting mechanism can include a water level regulator configured to
control the water level in the water tray thereby adjusting the surface area
of the water
exposed to the airflow in the airway.
The HVAC system can further comprise a heating element disposed in the water
tray and configured to heat the water therein thereby accelerating
humidification of the
air in the airways. The heating element is a heated gas line of the HVAC
system directed
to the water tray for heating water in the water tray.
The HVAC system can further comprise a cleaning mechanism for removing
calcification accumulating therefrom. The cleaning mechanism can include a
brush for
breaking up calcification accumulating in the water tray. The cleaning
mechanism
comprising a high pressure sprinkling rod operative to direct high pressure
water toward
in surface of the water tray for breaking up calcification accumulating in the
water tray.
The HVAC system can further comprise a wall portion disposed inside the
airways,
having a surface configured to allow water flow thereon form said tray. The
wall portion
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can be a sloped wall and the tray can be at a top portion thereof, such that
water from the
tray can flow downwardly under gravitational forces towards a low portion of
the wall.
The humidifying unit may be configured to have any of the following features:
= a removable cover that can be partially and fully opened and/or closed to
vary the exposure of water to the air stream and thereby alter the
humidity level achieved with the humidity unit;
= a mechanism for tilting the tray by varying degrees, thereby controlling
the surface area of the water that comes into contact with the airstream;
= A humidity sensor for sensing the humidity level in a room, the sensor
being coupled to the humidifying unit which determines the exposure
area of the water inside the airways;
= A manual or automatic mechanism for halting of the humidifying unit
when the HVAC unit is on the cooling mode thereof;
= An adjusting mechanism for adjusting the exposure area of the water,
thereby adjusting the humidity level in the air;
= A filling mechanism for filling the tray in response to a water level
therein below a predetermined threshold; the filing mechanism can be in
configured to collect condensed water formed during cooling mode;
= A draining mechanism for draining the tray in response to a water level
therein above a predetermined threshold;
= An auxiliary reservoir being in fluid communication with the tray and
configured for despising thereto cleaning liquid;
= The cleaning liquid can be configured to prevent bacteria accumulation
or can be a scale cleaning liquid, or can include an odor elimination
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and
to
exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, examples will now be
described, by
way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in
which:
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Figs. 1A and 1B are simplified schematic drawings respectively of a known air
handler for a ductless HVAC unit and the air handler with a humidifying unit
in
accordance with some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter;
Fig. 2is a simplified schematic drawing of optional water supply and drainage
features of a humidifying unit in an air handler of a ductless HVAC system in
accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic drawing of a humidifying unit integrated into
a
grille extending from duct channel of an HVAC system in accordance with some
examples of the presently disclosed subject matter;
Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic drawing of a humidifying unit integrated into
a
connector between a duct channel and grille of an HVAC system in accordance
with
some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter;
Fig. 5 is a simplified schematic drawing of a humidifying unit integrated with
a
central air HVAC system in accordance with some examples of the presently
disclosed
subject matter;
Fig. 6A is a simplified schematic drawing of a HVAC system having a
humidifying unit in accordance with another example of the presently disclosed
subject
matter;
Fig. 6B is an exploded view of the HVAC system of Fig. 6A;
Fig. 6C is a side sectional view of the HVAC system of Fig. 6A;
Fig. 7A is a front perspective view of the humidifying unit of Fig. 6A;
Fig. 7B is an exploded view of the humidifying unit of Fig. 7A;
Fig. 7C is an enlarged view of the pumping mechanism of the humidifying unit
of Fig. 7A;
Fig. 7D is an enlarged view of the adjusting mechanism of the humidifying unit
of Fig. 7A;
Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic drawing of a humidifying unit with an
optional
tilting feature in accordance with some examples of the presently disclosed
subject
matter;
Fig. 9A is a side sectional view a folded cardboard in accordance with one
example of the presently disclosed subject matter, disposed in a tray of a
humidifying
unit;
Fig. 9B is a side sectional view of cardboard of Fig. 9A;
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Fig. 9C is a side perspective view of the tray of Fig. 9A;
Fig. 10A is a top view of a cardboard in accordance with another example of
the
presently disclosed subject matter;
Fig. 10B is a perspective view of a cardboard in accordance with another
example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
Fig. 11A is a side sectional view of an AC unit having a humidifying unit in
accordance with another example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
and,
Fig. 11B is an enlarged view of the humidifying unit of Fig. 11A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
Reference is now made to Figs. lA and 1B showing simplified schematic
drawings respectively of a known air handler for a ductless HVAC system and
the air
handler with a humidifying unit in accordance with some examples of the
presently
disclosed subject matter. A known air handler and/or evaporator unit 101 of a
split
ductless HVAC system typically includes a vent 110 through which conditioned
air, e.g.
heated, cooled or ventilated air is expelled and/or blown out. Typically, vent
110 is
encompassed and/or defined by a frame 112 that is formed as part of a cover of
air
handler 101. Typically, an array of directional blades 115 can be controlled
to direct the
air expelled through vent 110 in a desired direction, e.g. left or right. The
vent 110 can
be covered by a flap 120 that can be rotated to control the direction of air
flow in a
vertical direction, e.g. up and down. The flap 120 can be closed while air
handler 101 is
not in an operational mode, e.g. while air handler 101 is switched off.
According to some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is
provided a humidifying unit 150 that is integrated into an air handler 105 of
an HVAC
system. According to some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter,
humidifying unit 150 is positioned in a vent 111. Typically, frame 113
defining an
extent of the vent 111 is enlarged as compared to frame 112 (FIG. 1A) to
accommodate
humidifying unit 150. In some examples, humidifying unit 150 is positioned
below
directional blades 115 and within frame 113.
According to some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter,
humidifying unit 150 includes a tray and/or water box 160 for collecting
and/or holding
water. Optionally, tray 160 includes one or more inlet and/or outlet ports
through which
water and/or other fluids can be introduced and/or drained from tray 160.
According to
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some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, tray 160 is formed as
part of
frame 113. Optionally, frame 113 is formed from with a polymer material by a
molding
process and tray 160 is molded as part of frame 113. Alternatively tray 160 is
a part
distinct from frame 113 and is inserted into frame 113. According to some
examples of
the presently disclosed subject matter, as air outflow 180 is expelled from
air handler
105, it skims the surface of water contained in tray 160 and becomes
humidified, e.g.
saturated with water vapor. In some examples, water supply for humidifying
unit 150 is
provided by a water supply tube 170 that optionally connects to a main water
line or
other water source, e.g. a tank. Optionally, water supply tube 170 is fitted
with a safety
valve 175 for cutting off water supply to tray 160. Optionally, safety valve
175 is fitted
within the housing of air handler 105. Optionally, a filter is fitted in tube
170 for
filtering water supply to tray 160. Optionally, tray 160 is manually filled
with water.
The tray 160 can be sized to extend over a substantially entire length of vent
111
so that air outflow 180 has adequate interface with water contained in tray
160. The
height of tray 160 can span between 1-5 cm and the depth of tray 160 can span
between
1-5 cm, depending on dimensions of air handler 105. The tray 160 can be sized
to hold
approximately 100-400 ml of water. Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B,
water
supply tube 170 can be provided and configured to supply water to tray 160 to
maintain
a desired level and/or volume of water within tray 160. The water supply tube
170 can
be associated with a valve 172 that can be controlled by controller 200 of
humidifying
unit 150 or a float valve in tray 160. The valve 172 and safety valve 175 can
be
integrated in a single module integral. In some examples of Fig 2b, water from
condensate drain tube 177 drains water via and/or to tray 160 so that
condensate drain
tube 177 can supply water to the tray 160 while the HVAC system is in a
cooling mode.
Optionally, a gas pipe in a condenser portion of the HVAC system is extended
into tray
160 and used to warm the collected water.
The humidifying unit 150 can include a drain 175 for draining water out of
tray
160. Optionally, two drains 175 on opposite sides of tray 160 are used to
avoid drainage
problems due to an angle in tray 160. The drain 175 can be connected with
tubing 176
that typically directs condensed water formed during cooling to outside a
building or
home so as to allow evacuation of water from the tray. Alternatively,
humidifying unit
uses dedicated tubing to drain water out of tray 160 to a sewage line and/or
outside a
building or home. Typically drain 175 is associated with a valve 179 for
controlling
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water flow out of drain 175 that can be operated by a controller 200 of
humidifying unit
150. The humidifying unit 150 can additionally include an overflow drain (not
shown)
which drains into condensate drain line 176. It is appreciated that in case
the HVAC
system is not configured with a cooling mode, and thus does not provide
condensed
water, the system can be provided with a condensation apparatus, for example,
from the
outside ambient, so as to provide water into the tray.
It is noted that although humidifying unit 150 has been described in Figs. 1,
2A
and 2B as being integrated into a split ductless HVAC system typically
including a air
handler inside of a room and a compressor positioned outside, a similar
construction can
be used for example in a single unit air conditioner, e.g. an air conditioning
window unit.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3, a humidifying unit can be integrated into a
grille extending from duct channel of an HVAC system. According to some
examples,
the humidifying unit is integrated into ductwork of the HVAC system. A tray
260 of a
humidifying unit 250 can be positioned and/or integrated onto a grille and/or
register
210 positioned on a wall of a room, e.g. a wall of a dropped ceiling. As air
outflow 280
blowing out from grille 210, e.g. in a generally horizontal direction it skims
the surface
of water contained in a tray 260 of humidifying unit 250 and becomes
humidified, e.g.
saturated with water vapor. In some examples, tray 260 is integral to grille
210 and
includes one or more water outlet and/or inlet ports for receiving and/or
draining water
into tray 260. Optionally, grille 210 is molded with a cavity defining tray
260.
Optionally, a depth of grille 210, e.g. it dimension going into the wall is
increased
relative to known dimensions of grilles to accommodate tray 260. Optionally,
tray 260
is a separate part that is fastened onto grille 210 during manufacturing.
Typically tray
260 extends over a length of a vent opening of grille 210 and is typically
interior to
direction blades of grille 210 so that it is concealed. In some examples, both
height depth
of tray 260 ranges between 0.5-3 cm, although dimensions of tray 260 typically
vary
with size of grille 210. Optionally, for ceiling grilles, tray 160 is
integrated into the
direction blades of the grille.
The water supply to tray 260 can be provided by a water line 270. Optionally
water line 270 connects to a water source, e.g. a main water line and water
line 270 that
extends through duct tubing 220 to tray 260. Alternatively, water line 270 can
be
positioned outside of duct tubing 220 and is connected to tray 260 via a port
in tray 260
(not shown). The water can be filled by manually filing tray 260. According to
some
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examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, a drain 275 with drain
line 282
connects to tray 260 for draining water from the tray when required.
Typically, drain 275
with drain line 282 is associated with a valve for controlling draining.
Optionally, drain
line 282 is directed toward a sewage line of the premises or is otherwise
drained
outdoors. Optional features of humidifying unit 250 are described in more
details herein
in reference to FIGS. 6-8.
Reference is now made to FIG. 4 showing a humidifying unit 350 integrated into
a connector between a duct channel and grille of an HVAC system in accordance
with
some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. The tray 360 of a
humidifying
unit 350 is positioned and/or integrated into a ductwork connector 310 between
a duct
channel 320 and grille 310 of an HVAC system, where at least a portion of the
ductwork
connector is positioned horizontally, e.g. parallel to a dropped ceiling.
Optionally, grille
310 is a wall grilled. Alternatively, a ceiling grille that directs air flow
from a generally
horizontal duct channel 320 downwards in a generally vertical direction is
used.
Typically, tray 360 is positioned so that walls of the tray do not obstruct
air flow
380 blowing through connector 310. Optionally, walls of tray 360 are insulated
to avoid
condensation on outer walls. As air outflow 380 blows out through grille 310
in a
horizontal direction it skims the surface of water contained in tray 360 of a
humidifying
unit 350 and becomes humidified, e.g. saturated with water vapor. The tray 360
can be
integral to connector 310 and includes water outlet and/or inlet ports for
receiving and
draining water into tray 360. Optionally, connector 310 is molded with a
cavity defining
tray 360. Optionally, tray 360 is a separate part that is fastened onto
connector 310
during manufacturing and/or assembly. Optionally, tray 360 is sized to
substantially
extend over a diameter of duct tubing 320. Optionally, tray 360 is sized to
substantially
extend over a length of connector 310. Optionally, the depth of tray ranges
between 1-5
cm although its depth will typically vary with different sizes of duct
connectors and/or
duct tubing and can be deeper than 5 cm.
The water supply to tray 360 can be provided by a water line 370. Optionally
water line 370 connects to a water source, e.g. a main water line and water
line 370
extends through duct tubing 320 to tray 360. Alternatively, water line 370 is
positioned
outside of duct tubing 320 and is connected to tray 360 via a port in tray 360
(not
shown). in addition, a drain 375 can be provided and can include drain line
382
connected to tray 360 for draining water from the tray when required.
Typically, drain
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375 with drain line 382 is associated with a valve for controlling draining.
Optionally,
drain line 382 is directed toward a sewage line of the premises or is
otherwise drained
outdoors. Optional features of humidifying unit 350 are described in more
details herein
in reference to FIGS. 6-8.
Reference is now made to FIG. 5 showing a simplified schematic drawing of a
humidifying unit 450 integrated with a central air HVAC system in accordance
with
some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. A tray 460 of a
humidifying
unit 450 is positioned and/or integrated onto a main duct line 420 of the
central HAVC
system prior to the air flow splitting into plurality of duct lines 421, 422,
423 and 424.
Optionally, tray 460 is sized to substantially extend over a diameter of main
duct tubing
420. A water supply to tray 460 can be provided by a water line 470 and is
drained with
a drain line 482. Optional features of humidifying unit 450 are described in
more details
herein in reference to FIGS. 6-8.
Reference is now made to FIG. 6, a humidifying unit 550 can be integrated in a
wall mounted AC unit 500 having a cooling unit 510 and a cover 512 defining an
air
outlet aperture 514. As sown in Figs 7A and 7B, the humidifying unit 550
includes a tray
560 and a pumping mechanism 570 for supplying the tray 560 with water. The
pumping
mechanism 570 can be configured to pump water from a reservoir 555 coupled to
the
AC unit 500.
As shown in Fig. 7C the pumping mechanism 570 can include a pump 572 which
is configured to pump liquid, such as water, form the reservoir 555. According
to the
illustrated example the pump 572 is coupled to an auxiliary reservoir 574 via
a pipe 575,
which can include a cleaning liquid, and which is coupled to the reservoir
555. This way,
the pump draws water from the reservoir 555 as well as cleaning liquid from
the
auxiliary reservoir 574. The cleaning liquid can be any known liquid
configured to
prevent bacteria accumulation inside the tray 560, or can be a scale cleaning
liquid, or
odor elimination material. In addition, the cleaning liquid can include other
additives for
purifying the air in the room, smell additives, or other chemicals which it is
desired to
spray in the room.
It is appreciated that the tray can be provided with a sensor for sensing the
quality of the water therein, such that the pump can be activated to draw
cleaning liquid
from the auxiliary reservoir 574 in response to low quality water in the tray.
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According to an example the tray can be removable tray such that it can be
periodically removed and cleaned.
According to an example, the tray can eb formed form a scale scale resistant
material material.
It is appreciated that according to an example the tray can be disposed with
respect to the airflow, such that dust in the air can be collected by the
water surface, such
that the water facilitate in cleaning the air.
According to an example the pump is coupled to an electric valve 578 which is
configured to provide water to a dripper element 580. The dripper element 580
is
configured to release a small stream of water, or drips of water into the tray
560. The
electric valve 578 can be configured to control the operation of the pump and
to dictate
the amount of cleaning liquid which is released. The pumping mechanism 570 can
be
encased in a housing 582 provided with a door 584.
According to an example, the pumping mechanism 570 further includes a
draining pump 576, coupled to the tray 560 via a pipe 562. The draining pump
is
configured to draining the water in the tray, and it can be coupled to a swage
system, or
can be coupled to a pipe which can be used to direct the drained fluid into a
bowl upon
the need. The drainging pump can be activated to drain water from the tray,
when the
temperature of the water rises above a predeteremind thereshold, for example
to a level
which does not allow proper humidification of the airstream. In the latter
case the
pumping mechanism 570 can be configured to provide fresh water to the tray so
as to
allow continuous humidification of the airstream.
The tray 560 can be provided with an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the
exposure area of the water, thereby adjusting the humidity level in the air.
The adjusting
mechanism can include removable lid 505 configured to selectively open and
close in
response to the humidity level in the room. The removable lid can be provided
with an
actuating mechanism 530.
Reference is now made to Fig. 7D, the actuating mechanism 530 can include a
motor 531 having a cog-wheel 532 mounted thereon configured to engage a
corresponding cog-wheel 524 on which the lid 505 is mounted. When the motor
531 is
activated the cog-wheel 532 is rotated in one direction causing the
corresponding cog
wheel 524 and the lid 505 to turn in the opposite direction. The lid 505
according to this
example is configured as a semi-circular cover, such that in response to
rotation of
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corresponding cog wheel 524 the lid 505 rotated about the tray 560. This way,
the
disposition of the lid 505 with reference to the tray 560 can be determined
and so does
the surface area of the water which is exposed to the air in the airway of the
AC unit.
It is appreciated that the corresponding cog-wheel 524 can defined teeth 526
only
about a portion of the circumference thereof. This way when the motor 531 is
rotated
and the teeth of the cog-wheel 532 engage teeth 526, the corresponding cog
wheel 524
and the lid 505 are rotated as well. As the teeth of the cog-wheel 532 reach
the area on
the circumference of the corresponding cog wheel 524 which does not include
teeth the
rotation of the corresponding cog wheel 524 and the lid 505 stops. Thus, the
amount of
teeth on the corresponding cog wheel 524 determines the maximum rotation of
the lid
505, and precludes damage thereto, when fully closed or fully opened.
In some examples, a heating element (not shown) is introduced into tray 560
for
heating and/or sterilizing water in the tray. Optionally, the heating element
can be
operated to boost evaporation of water in tray 560. The tray 560 can be fitted
with a
removable lid 505. The humidity level provided by the humidifying unit can be
controlled by controlling position of removable lid 505. The controller can be
configured to partially close removable lid 505 to reduce the humidity level
provided by
humidifier 550. Optionally the controller can fully close the removable lid
505 while the
AC unit 500 is not operated, e.g. is turned OFF so that the water and/or tray
remains
clean while not being used. Optionally, a humidity sensor (not shown), e.g. a
hygrometer
is used to detect a humidity level in room and to provide input to controller
for
controlling a humidity level provided by humidifying unit 550. The humidity
sensor can
be positioned in a air handler, near a thermostat of the AC unit 500 and/or
anywhere in a
room that is being heated or cooled.
According to another example the adjusting mechanism can include a water level
regulator configured to sense and control the water level in the water tray
thereby
adjusting the surface area of the water exposed to the airflow in the airway.
The tray 560 can be installed with one or more mechanisms for breaking up
calcification that can accumulate on inner surfaces of tray 560. Optionally, a
brush (not
shown) can be provided for removing scale from the tray and can be disposed in
the tray
such that it touches the floor thereof. The brush can be operated with a
piezoelectric
element that vibrates and/or motor that moves brush so that it breaks up
accumulated
calcification. Alternatively, a high pressure sprinkling rod can be fluidly
connected to a
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water supply line and high pressurized water expelled from a sprinkling rod
provides for
breaking up accumulated calcification, on walls and floor of tray 560. The
tray 560 is
installed with a basket (not shown) that is operable to hold a tablet for
softening,
disinfecting and/or adding fragrance to the water in tank 560. Optionally, the
basket can
include a removable cover that can be used controllably expose the basket to
water in
tank 560.
The tray can further be provided with means for stirring the water, for
example a
small turbine coupled to a motor, a flow generator inside the tray, or a pump,
this way
the top surface of the water is constantly stirred and the heating of the
water surface is
mitigated. It is appreciated that maintaining the temperature of the water
surface below a
certain threshold can help the humidifying process of the airstream. The
turbine can be
activated only in response to a rise in the temperature of the water surface
in the tray.
According to another example the turbine can be activated so as to reduce the
evaporation of the water in the tray.
A draining pump 576 can be provided and can be operable to initiate draining
of
tray 560 in response to sensing that theca unit has been turned off.
Optionally, the
controller is operable to initiate cleaning of tray 560 with the brush and/or
sprinkler rod
in response to sensing that the AC unit500 has been turned off. Optionally,
controller is
operable to initiate filling of tray 560 with water in response to detecting
that the
systemic unit has been turned on and/or in response to input from a humidity
sensor.
Optionally, the tray is slanted so that calcification is localized near drain.
According to some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, the
cover
can be rounded and can be formed from one or more blades that can be collapsed
to
open cover to varying extents, e.g. partially or fully.
Reference is now made to FIG. 8 showing a tray 560 in accordance with another
example. The tray 560 is supported with by an axle 513 that can be rotated to
tile tray
560 to a desired angle. Optionally, a motor communicates with axle 513 for
rotating the
axle. Optionally, different tilt angles are used to control the humidity level
provided by
humidifying unit 550. Optionally, tilting tray 560 provides for changing the
surface area
of the water in tray 560 and thereby changing humidity level provided by
humidifying
unit 550. Typically a larger surface area provides increased humidity while a
smaller
surface area provides decreased humidity. Optionally, tilting tray 560 away
from air
flow reduces the humidity level provided or stops the humidifying action while
tilting
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tray 560 toward the air flow increases the humidity level provided by
humidifying unit
550. Optionally, the tilting feature is used in place of the lid. In the
previous examples
the humidifying systems is configured to provide a contact between the passing
air and
a surface of water disposed inside the ventilation system thereby humidifying
the air. It
will be appreciated however, that the amount of moisture transferred from the
water to
the air is proportional to the area of contact surface between the air and the
water.
Accordingly, in order to achieve sufficient air humidity in the room, the
contact area
can be increased, beyond the dimensions of the tray of the humidifying
systems.
According to an example increasing the surface area can be carried out by
utilizing a porous hydrophilic material, such as a cardboard, for significant
increase of
the contact area of passing air with water.
Reference is now made to Fig. 9A, a tray 605 can be configured to hold water
606 therein, together with a folded cardboard 600. The cardboard 600 is
configured to
absorb water 606 therein, and due to the folding thereof it can define a large
surface
area, thus increasing the surface area of water particles with the air. It is
appreciated
that folding of the cardboard 600 is configured such that on one hand water
can be
absorbed therein and on the other hand air form the HVAC system can flow
through the
gaps 607 formed between the folds. The cardboard 600 can be disposed inside
the tray
605 such that the folds are perpendicular to the direction of the airflow in
the HVAC
system, such that the air flows through the gaps 607 formed therebetween.
To improve water transfer, a variety of cardboard can be selected having
wetting
ability and at the same time maintaining rigidity in wet condition. It is also
possible to
add a certain detergent to the water, which would increase the wetting and
improve the
transfer of moisture.
As shown in Fig. 9B, the cardboard 600 can includes an inner layer 602, and
outer layer 604 and a corrugated layer 603 disposed therebetween configured to
provide
capillary water transfer therethrough.
According to another example, as shown in Fig. 10A, the cardboard 630 can be
provided with a plurality of apertures 635, such that air can flow therein
contacting
thereby more surfaces of cardboard and accumulating humidity thereby.
According to a further example, as shown in Fig. 10B, the cardboard 640 can be
provided with a plurality of apertures 642, provided at the top portioned of
each fold
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such that air can flow through the top portion of the cardboard 640,
contacting thereby
more surfaces of cardboard and accumulating humidity thereby.
It is appreciated that other techniques form improving humidifying of the
water
can be utilized such as heating and evaporating portion of water or applying
ultrasound
waves for forming water particles.
The tray according to other examples can be filled with ice powder or
pulverized or powder-like ice can also cool air.
As shown in Figs. 11A and 11B, according with a further example an AC unit
670 can be provided with a humidifying unit 680 configured to provide fluids
flow,
such as water, along a wall 682 disposed inside the air duct. The wall 682,
here
illustrated as sloped wall can alternatively be a vertical or a, such that
water provided
on a top portion thereof, flow downwardly under gravitational forces towards a
low
portion thereof. It is appreciated that the wall 682 can be one of the inner
walls of the
airway of the AC unit.
The water can be provided on the wall 682 by forming a water channel 681 at
the top portion of the wall 682. The channel 681 is configured such that when
water
therein overflow, the water spill onto the wall downwardly. This way, the
exposure area
of the air to the water is not only the area of the tray, rather it is the
area of the wall 682
on which water are provided.
Thus, the channel 681 can be defined along the entire length of a wall portion
which in the airway of the AC unit, such that all the air flowing inside the
AC unit is
exposed to the water on the wall and humidity is accumulated in the air. The
level in the
water tray can be maintained such that water overflow towards the wall when
the
humidity level of the room falls below the desired level. This can be carried
out for
example by providing a tray 685 having water 675 therein, and a pump 690
providing
fluid communication between the tray 685 and the channel 681 by means of pipe
segments 692a and 692b. The pump 690 can be configured to pump water onto the
channel 681 when the humidity level drops below the desired level.
The humidifying unit 680 can further be provided with a draining mechanism
for draining any redundant water at the bottom of the wall portion 682.
According to
the illustrated example the draining mechanism is a slit 695 defined along the
length of
the wall, underneath which the tray 685 is disposed.
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According to an example, the humidifying unit can be a slit 695 provided with
water therein, for example by disposing a water tray underneath. The slit 695
can be
disposed along the entire width of the airway, and the can disposed at the
bottom of the
wall portion 682, or along nay other point of the wall portion, which is
illustrated here
as a sloped wall portion. It is appreciated that according to this example,
the wall
portion 682 is not configured to allow water flow thereon, rather the inventor
has found
that defining a slit 695, or a similar channel on the sloped wall or at the
bottom thereof,
enghnaces the humidification process.
It is appreciated that the humidifying unit of the presently disclosed subject
matter substantially does not consume energy however merely operate by
utilizing the
kinetics of the air stream flowing in the airways thereof. The humidifying
unit can be
provided with an energy source for operating the adjusting mechanism and such
that the
disposition of the cover is manipulated, or for operating the pump providing
the water
into the tray.
It is appreciated that in addition, to the above, utilizing the humidifying
unit
substantially eliminate the need to open the window so as to adjust the
humidity level in
the room, thus the presently disclosed humidifying unit reduces the energy
consumption of the HVAC system.
When hot air flows through the air duct, the water along the wall raise the
humidity level of the air.
It is appreciated that the dimensions of the wall, such as the length and the
width
thereof determine the exposure of the air inside the air duct to the water,
and the
humidity formed thereby.
According to an example the wall can be a horizontal wall, the water can be
provided on one side thereof by sprinklers, the airflow urges the water to
flow along the
wall.
According to other examples, the water can be provided by means of sprinkles
configured to sprinkle water on the top of the wall, thereby causing the water
to flow
downwardly.
It is noted that although most of the examples of the presently disclosed
subject
matter have been discussed in reference to home and/or building HVAC systems,
the
humidifying units described herein can also be used and/or adapted for use in
HVAC
systems in vehicles, such as cars, trains, busses and aircrafts.
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In addition, the humidifying units can be integrated in any A/C system such as
air curtains, air conditionings, evaporative Cooling Units, and humidifiers.
Etc. The
terms: "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and
their
conjugates mean "including but not limited to."
As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural
references
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a
compound" or
"at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including
mixtures
thereof.
It is appreciated that certain features of the subject matter, which are, for
clarity,
described in the context of separate examples, may also be provided in
combination in a
single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the subject matter, which
are, for
brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided
separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other
described
embodiment of the subject matter. Certain features described in the context of
various
examples are not to be considered essential features of those examples, unless
the
embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
