WO2002095297A2

WO2002095297A2 - Air conditioner humidifier

Info

Publication number: WO2002095297A2
Application number: PCT/IL2002/000397
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ilan Goldman
Original assignee: Electra Consumer Products Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-05-21
Filing date: 2002-05-21
Publication date: 2002-11-28
Also published as: AU2002307800A1; WO2002095297A3; IL143271A0

Abstract

The invention relates to a humidification device adapted for use in combination with the evaporation unit (10) of a split air-conditioner when arranged for heating. The device comprises an array of fins (12) supported in an enclosure open to the space to be air conditioned, the heated air to be humidified being circulated by an electrically-driven blower to flow said array and fins (12) and into said space being air conditioned, a carriage (14) arranged for reciprocating motion supporting a section of a dripper (17) including at least one emitter port connected to a flexible tube section (30) allowing drip tube attachment to said carriage (14) above said array of fins (12) and a water supply system connected to a substantially stationary extremity of said flexible tube section, said supply system including at least a water supply inlet (32) and a pressure regulator (34).

Description

AIR CONDITIONER HUMIDIFIER

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to air conditioning.

More particularly, the invention provides a humidification device adapted for use in combination with the evaporator unit of a split air-conditioner when arranged for heating.

An important advantage inherent in air-conditioners is that during the winter months air conditioners can be switched to provide a very economic form of heating. Operating as a heat pump, the outside air is used as a heat source, and depending on various conditions, primarily the temperature of the outside air, a coefficient of performance of between 2 to 4 can be attained. In concrete terms, this means that for every kilowatt of electrical energy consumed by the air-conditioner, two to four kilowatts of heat are provided. The relative humidity of air containing only about 15% moisture causes dry skin, coughing and throat and mouth irritations, and aggravates problems related to static electricity in the home and office. Experiments carried out by the present applicant have shown that a relative humidity of 35% - 50% is found to be most comfortable by the average person.

Stand-alone electrically operated humidifier units, which require periodic manual filling of water tanks are commercially available. Capacity is in the range 1.5 - 14 gallon, refilling is required every 2 - 4 days, depending on whether high or low setting is used. The devices have the disadvantage of limited range, uneven moisture distribution, consumption of floor space and requirements for the periodic cleaning of water mineral deposits from parts of the apparatus. No feedback control is provided, wherefore excess humidity can be generated leading to wall and window condensation.

Larger humidifiers intended for humidifying a whole house have capacities of up to 18 gallons and are intended for mounting on a forced-air furnace. The units are extremely bulky, but some models can be used in conjunction with an air conditioning system.

It has long been realized that integration of a humidifier into an air-conditioning system is the preferable solution. Such devices are known, but due to their bulk, complexity and cost have not won wide public acceptance. A factor in such considerations is that there is a need for drainage of excess water from under the evaporator, whether by pump or by gravity, thus adding manufacturing and installation costs. Living rooms are usually not provided with drains and adding a drain pipe in an acceptable manner requires a new wall aperture for external connection or the cutting of a new wall channel.

In US Patent no. 3,855,371 Morrow et al. describe a humidifier wherein a solenoid-controlled spray nozzle shoots water drops at a series of screens. The device is configured for assembly inside a main horizontal air trunk. The device is used in combination with a hot air furnace or a large air duct but is unsuitable for a room air conditioner.

Kong et al. disclose an add-on humidifier kit claimed to be suitable for a room air conditioner, in US Patent no. 4,004,432. The device includes a lower drain trough, an electric air heater, a water tank assembly disposed on the room floor containing an electric water pump and further items.

The air conditioning humidifier disclosed by Alix et al. in US Patent no. 5,037,585 utilizes a conical surface pierced by holes. The device is intended for use on aircraft.

Miller et al. disclose a humidifier in US Patents nos. 5,425,902 and 5,620,503 wherein droplets of water are sprayed into an air stream. The apparatus includes two humidifiers, the second of which is heated. The apparatus is totally unsuitable for use as an addition to an existing room air conditioner.

As far as is known to the present inventor, prior art humidifiers for a/c attachment have been unsuccessful in raising humidity from 15% to above 30%. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to obviate the disadvantages of prior art humidifiers and to provide an air-conditioner attachment which adds controlled quantities of moisture to a body of air in an improved and highly effective manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel humidifying apparatus that so effectively achieves complete evaporation that the need for drainage means of excess water is entirely eliminated.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an economic low-cost apparatus by utilizing the well-tested technology of prior-art agricultural drip irrigation tubes.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an installation kit which can be profitably marketed to users of air-conditioners unprovided with humidification means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves the above objects by providing an improved air conditioner fitted with an air humidification device for operation when said air conditioner is used in winter for heating purposes, comprising: a) an air conditioner wherein a humidifier radiator is provided comprising an array of fins supported in an enclosure open to the space to be air conditioned, the heated air to be humidified being circulated by an electrically-driven blower to flow between said array and fins and into said space being air-conditioned; b) a carriage arranged for reciprocating motion supporting a section of a dripper including at least one emitter port connected to a flexible tube section allowing drip tube attachment to said carriage above said array of fins; and c) a water supply system connected to a substantially stationary extremity of said flexible tube section, said supply system including at least a water supply inlet and a pressure regulator. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an improved air conditioner wherein water drops emitted by said moving water dripper are broken down by impact against closely spaced sharp-edged fins attached to said array, whereby evaporation rates are increased to substantially vaporize all water being emitted by the dripper.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an improved air conditioner wherein said dripper comprises a section of prior-art drip irrigation tube.

In a further embodiment there is provided a retrofit kit for adding a humidifier to an installed split air conditioner, said kit comprising: a) a radiator which comprises an array of fins b) a frame configured for assembly above said radiator of said indoor unit of said air conditioner, said frame supporting a motor-driven carriage arranged for reciprocating motion, said frame including attachment fasteners; c) a dripper including at least one emitter port connected to a flexible tube section allowing the dripper attachment to said reciprocating carriage above said array and fins; d) a water supply system connectable to a substantially stationary extremity of said flexible tube section, said supply system including at least a water supply inlet, a solenoid-operated two-way inlet valve and a pressure regulator; e) a humidistat attachable inside the space served by said radiator; f) electronic control means responsive to said humidistat and acting to control flow from said water supply system;

Yet further embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter.

It will thus be realized that the novel humidification attachment of the present invention can be added to split air conditioning systems whether comprising a direct internal hot air outlet for a single room or whether intended for the residence-sized system where air from the evaporator is ducted to several rooms. In neither case is there a need to provide drainage when the apparatus is used for heating. The elimination of any need to drain excess water is of particular benefit when the humidifier device of the present invention is installed in living quarters, where any device of this type must have a clean and unobtrusive appearance. A further consideration for use in living quarters is that the device of the present invention meets the requirement of not generating any noise above that produced by the operation of the main section of the air-conditioner.

Where the humidifier of the present invention is supplied as part of a newly manufactured evaporator unit, as opposed to being supplied as an add-on to an existing evaporator, the humidifier radiator fins can be specially arranged to increase evaporation rates of the externally applied water drops. Methods of achieving this end are described with reference to FIG. 1 and 3. Preferably the fins of the radiator are coated with hydrophilic aluminium material which causes the water drops to be better spread.

With regard to the retrofit kit, this is normally installed by the air-conditioner technician. However, with the production of a detailed and well-illustrated instruction booklet the more skilled do-it-yourself person could successfully assemble the components. As there are millions of units world wide not provided with a humidifier, kits can be sold in profitable quantities.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent by example preferred embodiments of the invention. Structural details are shown only as far as necessary for a fundamental understanding thereof. The described examples, together with the drawings, will make apparent to those skilled in the art how further forms of the invention may be realized. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the evaporator of a preferred embodiment of the improved air conditioner according to the invention, the evaporator housing being shown separated from the base structure to reveal inner components; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the carriage drive;

Fig. 2a is an underneath view of Fig. 2.

FIG. 2b is a further embodiment of the carriage drive.

FIG. 3 is a detail view of part of a preferred fin radiator assembly used as part of the evaporator unit; FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a water supply system for the humidifier device;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an automatic humidity control system; and

FIG. 6 is a view of a diagrammatic view of a retrofit kit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the carriage drive.

FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

There is seen in FIG. 1 the evaporator unit 10 of an improved air conditioner provided with an air humidification device. The device is intended for use when the air conditioner is used in winter for heating purposes. In the present embodiment the improved air conditioner is a modification of a standard split air conditioner. The evaporator unit 10 of the split air conditioner is disposed either in the room to be air-conditioned, or as shown in the diagram, proximate to an air duct manifold (not shown) distributing heated air (or cooled air in the summer) to several rooms. The main component of the unit is heating/cooling radiator 11. There is further provided an array 12, of spaced-apart fins mounted in proximity to the radiator 11 open to the space to be air conditioned.

With the air-conditioner arranged for heating, the unit operates at a temperature of about 50° - 60°C. The air requiring humidification, (arrow ^'A^'), is circulated by an electrically-driven blower to flow through the array of fins 12 and into the space being air-conditioned, (arrow Ε^').

For example the device is able to maintain the air of a building area of 100 - 150 square meters at 35% - 50% relative humidity. A rigid frame 13 is provided which comprises rail 20 on which an electrically-driven carriage 14, arranged for horizontal reciprocating motion above the array 12 of fins. A preferred embodiment of a carriage drive mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. 2; 2a and 2b. As can be seen in FIG. 2 carriage 14 comprises a structure 15 which carries an electric synchronized motor 16 connected to power supply source by means of cable 19 and water emitter/out let unit 17. The structure 15 travels along rail 20. The two sides of said structure are provided with spring bumpers 18 adapted to engage the end wall of frame 13 and cause the carriage to change travelling direction from one side to the opposite. The carriage structure 15 further comprises two pulleys 21 riding on rail 20 and a driving pulley 23 connected to motor 16. Said pulley 23 is covered with a rubber strip 25 to establish better contact with rail 20. One of pulleys 21 is pressed against rail 20 by means of spring 27 connected to its axis. Such an arrangement ensures the traveling of the carriage on rail 20 even when rail 20 is not straight but curved.

The carriage 14 supports a section of a water emitter or dripper 17 drips water onto various locations along the fin array 12.

To allow free movement of the carriage 14, the dripper or emitter is connected to a flexible tube section 30. A water supply system is connected to a substantially stationary extremity of the flexible tube section 30. The supply system includes a water supply inlet 32 providing water from a supply line or a storage tank. A pressure regulator 34 is provided so that water flow will remain within predictable limits, typically in the region of 1.5 bar pressure, and also to prevent bursting of the tube 30.

With reference to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts. Referring now to FIG. 2b, there is seen a detail of a further embodiment of the carriage drive of the improved air conditioner. The carriage 14 is driven by flexible tension element such as a steel cable 36 as shown, or a belt, along frame 13 over the length of the fin array 12 seen in FIG. 1. The cable 36 is maintained in tension by a tension spring 38, and is driven by the pulley 40 of the synchronized electric motor 16. In the embodiment shown the motor 16 is electrically and automatically reversed in direction near the end of the allowed carriage travel. This allows a rigid connection between one side of the cable 36 and the carriage 14. A remote cable pulley 44 is revolvably supported in the frame 13, which is attached to the evaporator 10. Optionally the frame 13 also provides guide rail surfaces 46 used by the carriage 14.

In a further embodiment (not shown) the motor is arranged for continuous uni-directional rotation, and the connection between the cable and the carriage is by means of a clamp shoe which is able to pass the pulleys. Clamp shoes of this type are known and used on cable cars. The connection between the clamp shoe and the carriage is pivoted to prevent undesired rotation of the carriage.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detail of the fin array 12 of an improved split air conditioner. Water drops 48 emitted by the moving emitter 17 are broken down by impact against closely spaced fins 50 (about 12 - 14 fins per inch), having sharp edges 52. Fins 50 are preferably made of aluminium and attached to the tubes 54. Preferably the fins 50 are coated with a surfactant coating, as hydrophilic aluminium.

It is possible to add a liquid surfactant (for example, Surfactant 10G made by Arch Chemicals) to the water being provided for humidification. Coating the fins 50 is however the preferable option. The fins 50 increase evaporation rates to vaporize all water being emitted by the emitter or dripper. Represented in FIG. 4 is a preferred water supply system 56 for the improved air conditioner. The water supply system 56 includes the water supply inlet 32 and the pressure regulator 34 already referred to in FIG. 1. The pressure regulator 34 restricting water flow in a flexible portion of a water supply tube 30, additionally included is a magnetic device 58 for neutralizing minerals contained in the water supply, which is advantageous for reducing the need for cleaning. Such devices are known and in use on water feed lines for washing machines, and no novelty is claimed in this respect.

Adjacent to, or integral with the inlet port 32 is a normally closed solenoid opened 2-way inlet valve 60. The valve 60 is used as part of the automatic control system referred to in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic arrangement of the automatic humidity control 66 for the improved air conditioner. Indoor humidity is measured by an instrument 68. The electrical output of the instrument 68 is connected to an electronic automatic control printed circuit board 70 for maintaining relative humidity at 35% - 50%. Automatic control is achieved by electrically powering or releasing the solenoid actuating the valve 60 controlling water intake 32. Advantageously a user control 72 is provided which allows selection of the set point of the instrument 68 for maintaining a user-defined degree of relative humidity.

FIG. 6 illustrates a retrofit kit 74 for adding a humidifier to a ready-installed split air conditioner. The following items are included in the kit. A fin radiator 12. A frame 13 configured for assembly above the radiator 12 of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The frame 13 supports a motor-driven carriage 14 arranged for reciprocating motion. The attachment fasteners 76 for the frame are included. A water supply system 56 connectable to a substantially stationary extremity 76 of the flexible tube section 30. The supply system 56 includes at least a water supply inlet 32, a solenoid-operated two-way inlet valve 60 and a pressure regulator 34. A humidistat (hygrometer) 68 attachable inside the space served by the evaporator/radiator. Attachment means such as a self-adhesive felt pad 78 therefor.

A printed circuit control board 70 responsive to the humidistat 68 and acting to control water flow by connecting/disconnecting power to the solenoid valve 60. One booklet 80 of assembly instructions, text in the language appropriate for the sales location, illustrated, including a wiring diagram, and with enough detail to allow a skilled do-it-yourself person to install the device without needing to call for the help of the manufacturer's technician.

Fig. 7 is a perspective illustration of an additional preferred embodiment of the carriage drive. To both upper side ends of array 12 there are connected (frame ) elements 13 adopted to support a screw 71. Bearings 73 enable the revolving of screw 71. At one end of said screw there is provided an electric motor 16 adopted to revolve screw 71. On screw 71 there is mounted carriage 14. Carriage 14 comprises frame housing 75 having means to engage screw 71. To the bottom side of which there is attached an emitter unit 77 and water supply tube 30. A rail 20 is mounted at the upper side of array 12. As can be seen in Fig 8 emitter unit 77 is provided with slit 79 to fit rail 20.

Activation of motor 16 would revolve screw 71 and consequently the trave of carriage 14 along the screw in a reciprocating manner as detailed above.

The scope of the described invention is intended to include all embodiments coming within the meaning of the following claims. The foregoing examples illustrate useful forms of the invention, but are not to be considered as limiting its scope, as those skilled in the art will readily be aware that additional variants and modifications of the invention can be formulated without departing from the meaning of the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An improved air conditioner provided with an air humidification device for operation when said air conditioner is used in winter for heating purposes, comprising: a) an air conditioner wherein there is provided a fin radiator comprises an array of spaced-apart fins supported in an enclosure open to the space to be air conditioned, air to be humidified being circulated by an electrically-driven blower to flow between said array of fins and into said space being air-conditioned; b) a carriage arranged for reciprocating motion including at least one emitter port or dripper connected to a flexible tube section allowing drip attachment to said carriage above said array of fins; and c) a water supply system connected to a substantially stationary extremity of said flexible tube section, said supply system including at least a water supply inlet and a pressure regulator.

2. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said carriage is driven by an electric synchronized motor over and along at least part of the length of said fin array, said motor being supported in a frame or ail attachable to said evaporator.

3. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said motor is part of said carriage.

4. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the driving mechanism of said carriage is a screw to which said motor is connected.

5. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 1 , wherein water drops emitted by said moving water drip arrangement are broken down by impact against closely spaced sharp-edged fins attached to said array, whereby evaporation rates are increased to substantially vaporize all water being emitted by said water drip arrangement.

6. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said water supply system further includes a magnetic device for neutralizing minerals contained in the water supply.

7. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said water supply system includes a normally closed solenoid opened 2-way inlet valve.

8. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said fins are coated by hydrophilic alluminium material.

9. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 6, wherein indoor humidity is measured by an instrument, the output thereof being connected to an electronic automatic control for maintaining humidity at 35% - 50%, said automatic control powering or releasing the solenoid actuating said valve controlling water intake.

10. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 9, wherein a user control is provided for adjusting said instrument for maintaining a desired degree of humidity.

11. The improved air conditioner as claimed in claim 1, whereby the air of a building area of at least 100 square meters can be maintained at at least 35% relative humidity.

12. An improved air conditioner provided with an air humidification device, substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

13. A retrofit kit for adding a humidifier to an installed split air conditioner, said kit comprising: a) a fin radiator unit. b) a frame configured for assembly above the evaporator/radiator of said indoor unit of said air conditioner, said frame supporting a motor-driven carriage arranged for reciprocating motion, said frame including attachment fasteners; c) a water supply system connectable to a substantially stationary extremity of said flexible tube section, said supply system including at least a water supply inlet, a solenoid-operated two-way inlet valve and a pressure regulator; d) a humidistat attachable inside the space served by said evaporator/radiator; d) electronic control means responsive to said humidistat and acting to control flow from said water supply system; and e) assembly instructions.