SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HUMIDIFICATION CONTROL WITH FAN DELAY

Abstract

A humidifying system and method for humidifying ambient air is disclosed. The system includes an air circulation unit, a water feed valve, and a water panel in fluid communication with the air circulation and the water feed valve. The air circulation unit and water feed valve are both operably coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to receive on or more signals from one or more sensors, a user interface, and/or a remote control communicably coupled to the controller. The controller may be configured to turn on the air circulation unit and water feed valve in response to a received input—such as a call for humidity. The controller may subsequently turn off the water feed valve when an ambient humidity satisfies a humidity threshold and delay turning off the air circulation unit to enable drying of the water panel while continuing to humidify circulating air.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/112,098, filed on Nov. 10, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to humidifying systems for increasing humidity of ambient air. More specifically, the disclosure relates to controllably decoupling fan and/or water feed valve operation within a humidifying system to optimize system performance and/or system efficiency.

Humidifying systems are often designed to provide humidified air in response to a call for humidity (e.g., from a humidistat, thermostat, portable user device, etc.), wherein upon receiving the call, the humidifier typically turns on both its fan and water feed valve simultaneously. Similarly, upon satisfying the humidity call (e.g., increasing humidity within a room to a satisfactory, predetermined threshold), the humidifier typically shuts off both its fan and water feed valve simultaneously. However, simultaneous operation of both the fan the water feed valve may result in incomplete drying of a water panel within the humidifier, which can lead to degradation and air contamination resulting from corrosion, mold, etc. Furthermore, operation of both the fan and water feed valve consume energy. Accordingly, repeated and/or prolonged use of standard humidifiers is energy expensive.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a versatile humidifying system that may be controlled to prevent air and/or component contamination and may be operated to increase efficiency and/or performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for humidifying an indoor space includes an air circulation unit comprising a fan, a water feed valve configured to control water flow from a water source fluidly coupled to the water feed valve, a water panel in fluid communication with each of the circulation unit and the water feed valve, and a controller operably coupled to each of the air circulation unit and the water feed valve. The water panel may be configured to disperse water within the air circulated by the air circulation unit and the air circulation unit may be configured to circulate air to the indoor space. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine an ambient humidity associated with the indoor space, compare the ambient humidity to a humidity threshold, change an operational state of the water feed valve in response to the ambient humidity satisfying the humidity threshold, and change an operational state of the air circulation unit a period of time after changing the operational state of the water feed valve.

According to an embodiment of the system, changing the operational state of the water feed valve comprises decreasing a water flow through the water feed valve. In another exemplary embodiment, a rate of decreasing the flow rate of water through water feed valve is based on a difference in the ambient humidity and a humidity set point.

According to an embodiment of the system, changing the operational state of the air circulation unit comprises decreasing a speed of a fan disposed within the air circulation unit. In another embodiment, changing the operational state of the air circulation unit comprises turning off the air circulation unit.

According to an embodiment of the system, the water panel is disposed upstream of the air circulation unit. In another embodiment, the period of time is determined based on a drying time associated with the water panel. In yet another embodiment, the period of time is based on a runtime of the humidifying system.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for humidifying an indoor space includes an air circulation unit comprising a fan, a water feed valve configured to control water flow from a water source fluidly coupled to the water feed valve, a water panel in fluid communication with each of the circulation unit and the water feed valve, and a controller operably coupled to each of the air circulation unit and the water feed valve. The air circulation unit may be configured to circulate air to the indoor space and the water panel may be configured to disperse water within the air circulated by the air circulation unit. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine an ambient humidity associated with the indoor space, compare the ambient humidity to a humidity threshold, change an operational state of the water feed valve in response to the ambient humidity satisfying the humidity threshold, determine at least one of a humidity differential or a temperature differential associated with the water panel, compare at least one of the humidity differential or the temperature differential to a threshold, and change an operational state of the air circulation unit response to at least one of the humidity differential or the temperature differential satisfying the threshold.

In an embodiment, the system may further include a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor is disposed upstream of the water panel and configured to make a first detection and the second sensor is disposed downstream of the water panel and configured to make a second detection. In another embodiment, the first and second detections correspond to a first and second temperature, respectively, and wherein the temperature differential is equal to a difference between the first and second temperatures. In yet another embodiment, the first and second detections correspond to a first and second humidity, respectively, and wherein the humidity differential is equal to a difference between the first humidity and the second humidity.

In an embodiment of the system, changing the operational state of the air circulation unit comprises decreasing a speed of a fan disposed within the air circulation unit. In another embodiment, changing the operational state of the air circulation unit comprises turning off the air circulation unit. In yet another embodiment, changing the operational state of the water feed valve comprises decrease a water flow through the water feed valve.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for humidifying an indoor space includes determining, by a controller, an ambient humidity associated with the indoor space, comparing, by the controller, the ambient humidity to a humidity threshold, changing, by the controller, an operational state of a water feed valve operably coupled to the controller in response to the ambient humidity satisfying the humidity threshold, wherein the water feed valve is fluidly coupled to a water panel, and changing, by the controller, an operational state of an air circulation unit operably coupled to the controller a period of time after changing the operational state of the water feed valve.

In an embodiment of the method, the period of time is based on a drying time associated with the water panel. In another embodiment, the method may further include determining, by the controller, at least one of a humidity differential or a temperature differential associated with the water panel, and comparing, by the controller, at least one of the humidity differential or the temperature differential to a threshold. In another embodiment, the period of time is determined by an amount of time until the humidity differential or the temperature differential satisfies the threshold.

In another embodiment, changing the operational state of the water feed valve comprises decrease a water flow through the water feed valve.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the following drawings and the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present disclosure, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present disclosure, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a humidifying system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the humidifying system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by a humidifying system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by a humidifying system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by a humidifying system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

Referring generally to the figures, a humidifying system for providing and increasing moisture in ambient air may include an air circulation unit, a water feed valve, and a controller operably coupled to both the fan and water feed valve. In various embodiments, the air circulation unit may include one or more fans or blowers operably coupled to a motor, which is configured to actuate the one or more fans or blowers. The water feed valve may be fluidly coupled to a water source and may facilitate metering and/or controlling a flow of water into and through the humidifying system. The humidifying system also includes a water panel in fluid communication with the air circulation unit and the water feed valve and facilitates dispersal of water into air circulated by the air circulation unit. In various embodiments, the humidifying system may be configured such that operation of the air circulation unit and the water feed valve are decoupled such that each turns on and/or off asynchronously. In various embodiments, the humidifying system may be configured to delay turning on the water feed valve after turning on the air circulation unit (e.g., to sample ambient air to determine if humidity is needed). In various embodiments, the humidifying system may be configured to delay turning off the air circulation unit after turning off the water valve. In other embodiments, the humidifying system may be configured to decrease or taper water flow through the water valve while maintaining operation of the air circulation filter. By delaying turning off the air circulation unit after turning off or tapering water flow through the water valve, the humidifying system may allow the water panel to be dried (or the amount of water within the water panel substantially reduced) as the air circulation unit continues to run. Reducing the amount of water within the water panel and/or allowing the water panel to be dried may reduce likelihood of corrosion, mold, and/or bacteria growth therein, thus reducing a risk of degradation of the water panel and/or risk of ambient air contamination. In addition, by delaying turning off the air circulation unit, the humidifying system may enable continued humidification of ambient air at a lower rate as water from the drying water panel is dispersed and circulated, thus reducing an overall energy and/or water expenditure and increasing an energy efficiency of the humidifying system.

The humidifying system may include one or more sensors (e.g., ambient sensors) configured to detect one or more conditions (e.g., a temperature, humidity level, air quality level, etc.) of the ambient environment. In various embodiments, the controller may receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors and, in turn, control the air circulation unit and/or the water feed valve responsive to the received signals. In various embodiments, the controller may receive one or more signals from a remote control (e.g., thermostat, humidistat, portable user device) and, in turn, control the air circulation unit and/or the water feed valve responsive to the received signals from the remote control. In alternative embodiments, the remote control may be omitted and in its place a directly coupled control unit may be used. In various embodiments, the humidifying system may include a user interface operably coupled to the controller and configured to facilitate control of the air circulation unit and the water feed valve. In various embodiments the controller may control operation of the air circulation unit and water feed valve such that there is a time delay between turning off the water feed valve and the air circulation unit. In various embodiments, the controller may be configured to turn on the water feed valve and air circulation unit in response to a received signal indicating a call for humidity. In various embodiments, the controller may be configured to subsequently turn off the water feed valve and air circulation unit responsive to an indication that a predetermined humidity threshold has been reached or that there is no longer a call for humidity.

In various embodiments, the humidifying system may be configured to operate based on ambient conditions sensed by the one or more sensors. In various embodiments, ambient condition thresholds may be predetermined such that the humidifying system may tailor operation when the one or more sensors detects an ambient condition above or below the predetermined threshold.

In various embodiments, the humidifying system may be configured to operate based on one or more calls or operative commands received by the controller from one or more remote controls. In various embodiments, the one or more remote controls are configured to send one or more calls or operative commands to the controller based on an ambient condition.

In various embodiments, the humidifying system may operate based on one or more preset modes. In various implementations, the controller may be configured to control at least one of the air circulation unit and the water feed valve based on the one or more preset modes. In various embodiments, the one or more preset modes may be predetermined by a manufacturer of the humidifying system, by a user of the humidifying system, by the remote control, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the one or more modes may include modes to maximize efficiency, minimize water expenditure, minimize energy expenditure, maintain a humidity level outside the humidifying system, maximize drying of the water panel between operations, etc.

In various embodiments, the humidifying system may be configured to operate the air circulation unit and the water feed valve based on one or more ambient conditions. In various embodiments, the controller may delay turning off the air circulation unit after turning off the water feed valve based on one or more ambient conditions. In various embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine a time for the delay based on one or more ambient conditions and/or one or more received signals.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic representation of a humidifying system 100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the humidifying system 100 includes an air circulation unit 105 for circulating ambient air through and out of the humidifying system 100, a water feed valve 110 for controlling water flow within the humidifying system 100 from a water source, and a water panel 115, which is in fluid communication with the water feed valve 110 and the air circulation unit and is configured to disperse water (i.e., humidity) within air circulated by the air circulation unit 105. The air circulation unit 105 may include a fan 107 for circulating air and a motor 109, which is configured to drive the fan 107. The air circulation unit 105 and the water feed valve 110 may be operatively coupled to a controller 120, which may be configured to control operations of each of the air circulation unit 105 and the water feed valve 110. In various embodiments, the controller 120 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium or processor, having computer-readable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the controller 120 to carry out operations called for by the instructions. In various embodiments, the controller 120 may be a thermostat, humidistat, or other computing device. In yet other embodiments, the controller 120 may be configured as part of a data cloud configured to receive commands from a user control device and/or a remote computing device. The controller 120 may be configured to controller operation and change operational states of the air circulation unit 105 and water feed valve 110 (e.g., turn on or off) to controllably humidify air within a space.

The controller 120 may be operably connected to one or more sensors 125, which may be configured to detect one or more ambient conditions within a space. In various embodiments, the one or more sensors 125 may be configured to detect a humidity level, a temperature, a dew point, etc. The controller 120 may be configured to receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors 125 such that the controller 120 may control (i.e., changing an operation or operational state of) at least one of the air circulation unit 105 and the water feed valve 110 based on the one or more signals received from the one or more sensors 125. The controller 120 may also be operably connected to a user interface 130 (e.g., graphical user interface, one or more buttons, one or more dials, etc.), which may be configured to receive commands from a user related to operation of the humidifying system 100. In various embodiments, the controller 120 may be configured to receive one or more signals from the user interface 130. The controller 120 may be communicatively coupled to one or more remote controls 135 (e.g., thermostat, humidistat, portable user device, etc.), which may be configured to send one or more signals to the controller 120.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the humidifying system 100 near the air circulation unit 105, water feed valve 110, and water panel 115, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the fan 107 and motor 109 are disposed downstream of the water panel 115 such that air drawn into the humidifying system 100 through the air inlet 140 passes over the water panel 115, which is fluidly coupled to a water supply 145 via water feed valve 110, and is forced out of the air outlet 150 by the fan 107 in the air circulation unit 105. As shown, the water panel 115 is also coupled to a drain 155 to facilitate excess water flow away from the water panel 115.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method 200 performed by humidifying system 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an operation 205, the humidifying system 100 may receive a call for humidity indicating that a humidity level in an area needs to be increased. In various embodiments, the call for humidity may be received by controller 120 from at least one of the one or more sensors 125 (e.g., when an ambient temperature and/or humidity meets a predetermined threshold), the user interface 130, and the remote control 135 (e.g., thermostat, humidistat, portable user device, etc.). Upon receiving a call for humidity, the humidifying system 100 may begin humidification operation and turn on the fan 107 (i.e., via motor 109) in air circulation unit 105 and water feed valve 110 in an operation 210. Once fan 107 and water feed valve 110 are turned on, ambient air may be drawn into the humidifying system 100 through the air circulation unit 105, humidified by water flow from the water feed valve 110 as it passes over the water panel 115, and then sent out of the humidifying system 100. In operation 215, the humidifying system 100 may determine if a humidity threshold is met (i.e., “Is humidity threshold met?”)—such as via controller 120 and/or sensors 125. If the humidity threshold is not met (i.e., “no”), the humidifying system 100 may continue humidification operation (including operation of both the water feed valve 110 and the air circulation unit 110) and not turn off (or taper) the water feed valve 115 and/or air circulation unit 105. If the humidity threshold is met (i.e., “yes”), the humidifying system 100 may change an operational state of (e.g., turn off) the water feed valve 110 (e.g., via controller 120) in an operation 225 without turning off the fan 107 within the air circulation unit 105 to allow air to continue passing through the water panel 115, thereby drying it out or substantially reducing the amount of water in the water panel 115. The humidifying system 100 may then later change an operational state of (e.g., turn off) the fan 107 (e.g., via the controller 120) within the air circulation unit 105 in an operation 230. After the humidifying system 100 has changed the operational states of (e.g., turned off) both the water feed valve 110 and the fan 107, the humidifying system 100 may then await a new call for humidity in operation 205. In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may proceed from operation 225 to operation 205, wherein the humidifying system 100 receives a new call for humidity, without turning off the fan 107 in operation 230. In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may increase a flow rate of water through water feed valve 110 and/or a speed of the fan 107 in air circulation unit 105 in response to a call for humidity. Correspondingly, the humidifying system 100 may decrease the flow rate of water through water feed valve 110 and/or the speed of the fan 107 in air circulation unit 105 (after a delay) in response to a determination that a humidity threshold has been met. In various embodiments, a rate of increase and/or decrease of the flow rate of water through water feed valve 110 and/or of the speed of the fan 107 may be based on a difference in a sensed ambient humidity (e.g., sensed by sensor 125) and a humidity set point or threshold.

In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may delay turning off the fan 107 within the air circulation unit 105 based on a period of time after changing the operational state of (e.g., turning off) the water feed valve 110. FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method 300 performed by humidifying system 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an operation 305, the humidifying system 100 may receive a call for humidity indicating that a humidity level in an area needs to be increased. In various embodiments, the call for humidity may be received by controller 120 from at least one of the one or more sensors 125 (e.g., when an ambient temperature and/or humidity meets a predetermined threshold), the user interface 130, and the remote control 135 (e.g., thermostat, humidistat, portable user device, etc.). Upon receiving a call for humidity, the humidifying system 100 may turn on or increase operation of the fan 107 (i.e., via motor 109) in air circulation unit 105 and water feed valve 110 in an operation 310. Once fan 107 and water feed valve 110 are turned on, ambient air may be drawn into the humidifying system 100 through the air circulation unit 105, humidified by water flow from the water feed valve 110 as it passes over the water panel 115, and then sent out of the humidifying system 100. In operation 315, the humidifying system 100 may determine if a humidity threshold is met (i.e., “Is humidity threshold met?”)—such as via controller 120 and/or sensors 125. If the humidity threshold is not met (i.e., “no”), the humidifying system 100 continue humidifying operations and not turn off or taper or decrease operation of the water feed valve 115 and/or air circulation unit 105. If the humidity threshold is met (i.e., “yes”), the humidifying system 100 may change the operational state (e.g., decrease operation or turn off) of the water feed valve 110 (e.g., via controller 120) in an operation 325 without changing the operational state (e.g., decrease operation or turning off) the fan 107 within the air circulation unit 105 to allow air to continue passing through the water panel 115, thereby drying it out or substantially reducing the amount of water in the water panel 115.

The humidifying system 100 may then determine if a predetermined time threshold after turning off the water feed valve 110 is met (i.e., “Is time threshold met?”) in an operation 330. The humidifying system 100 may set the predetermined time threshold (e.g., 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.) based on an input received by the controller 120 from at least one of the one or more sensors 125, the user interface 130, and the remote control 135. In various embodiments, the time threshold may be based on an ambient temperature and/or humidity. In various embodiments, the time threshold may be dependent on the ambient temperature and/or humidity when the ambient temperature and/or humidity falls outside a predefined range. In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may set the predetermined time threshold based on a predicted amount of time necessary to dry the water panel 115. In some embodiments, the time threshold may be based on a running time of the humidifying system 100 prior to operation 330. In various embodiments, the time threshold may be determined based on an amount of time needed to dry the water panel 115, wherein the time needed to dry the water panel 115 may be predicted or determined experimentally. If the humidifying system 100 determines that the time threshold is not met (i.e., “no”), the humidifying system 100 may continue humidification operations in operation 335 and periodically return to operation 330 to determine if the time threshold is met. If it is determined by the humidifying system 100 (e.g., via controller 120) in operation 330 that the time threshold is met, then the humidifying system (e.g., via controller 120) may turn off the fan 107 within the air circulation unit 105 in an operation 340. After the humidifying system 100 has changed the operational states (e.g., decreased operation or turned off) both the water feed valve 110 and the fan 107, the humidifying system 100 may then await a new call for humidity in operation 305. In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may increase a flow rate of water through the water feed valve 110 and/or a speed of the fan 107 in air circulation unit 105 in response to a call for humidity. Correspondingly, the humidifying system 100 decrease the flow rate of water through water feed valve 110 and/or the speed of the fan 107 in air circulation unit 105 (after a delay) in response to a determination that a humidity threshold has been met. In various embodiments, a change in the flow rate of water through the water feed valve 110 and/or the speed of the fan 107 may be based on a difference between am ambient humidity and the humidity threshold. In various embodiments, the flow rate of water through the water feed valve 110 and/or the speed of the fan 107 may be based on a size of the water panel 115.

In various embodiments, at least one of the humidity threshold and the time threshold may be determined based on one or more ambient conditions and/or one or more inputs received by the controller 120. In various embodiments, at least one of the humidity threshold and the time threshold may be determined based on one or more predetermined operational modes associated with the humidifying system 100. In various embodiments, the one or more modes may be predetermined by a manufacturer of the humidifying system, by a user of the humidifying system, by the remote control, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the one or more modes may include modes to maximize efficiency, minimize water expenditure, minimize energy expenditure, maintain a humidity level outside the humidifying system, maximize drying of the water panel between operations, etc.

In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may include one or more sensors (similar or equivalent to sensors 125) disposed upstream and downstream of the water panel 115. FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 performed by humidifying system 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, operations 405 through 425 of method 400 are the same or equivalent to corresponding operations of method 300. Thus, after changing the operational state (e.g., turn off or decrease a flow of water therethrough) of the water feed valve 110 in operation 425, the humidifying system 100 may measure a first temperature and/or first humidity upstream of the water panel 115 and a second temperature and/or second humidity downstream of the water panel 115 (e.g., via sensors 125) in an operation 430. In various embodiments, the first temperature and/or first humidity may be detected by first sensor and the second temperature and/or second sensor may be detected by a second sensor. Upon measuring the first and second temperature and/or humidity, the humidifying system 100 may determine a temperature and/or humidity differential, wherein the humidifying system 100 is configured to determine a difference between the first and second temperature (ΔT) and/or a difference between the first and second humidity (ΔRH) in an operation 435. The humidifying system 100 may subsequently compare the determined ΔT and/or ΔRH to a predetermined threshold (e.g., determined or set by the controller 120, the remote control 135, the user interface 130) in an operation 440 (“Is ΔT or ΔRH threshold met?”). If the determined ΔT and/or ΔRH does not meet the threshold (“no”), the humidifying system 100 may continue operation of the fan 107 within the air circulation unit 105 and return to operation 430, wherein the humidifying system 100 may again measure a first and second temperature and/or humidity upstream and downstream, respectively, of the water panel 115. Alternatively, if ΔT and/or ΔRH meets the threshold (“yes”) as determined in operation 440, the humidifying system 100 may proceed to operation 450, wherein the humidifying system 100 (via controller 120) may change the operational state (e.g., turn off or decrease a speed) of the fan 107 within the air circulation unit 105. The humidifying system 100 may then again await a call for humidity and repeat method 400. In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may iterate through operations 430, 435, and 440 for a period of time until it is determined that ΔT and/or ΔRH meets the threshold. In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may proceed from operation 425 to operation 405, wherein the humidifying system 100 receives a new call for humidity, without turning off the fan 107 in operation 450. In various embodiments, the threshold for ΔT and/or ΔRH may be approximately zero, which may indicate there is substantially no evaporative cooling (e.g., determined from ΔT) or humidity increase (e.g., determined from ΔRH) across the water panel 115. In various embodiments, a ΔT and/or ΔRH value greater than approximately zero may indicate (e.g., to the controller 120) that the water panel 115 has not been dried to a sufficient amount. In various embodiments, the threshold for ΔT and/or ΔRH may be determined experimentally for each humidifying system 100. In various embodiments, the threshold for ΔT and/or ΔRH may be determined and/or set by a user or a manufacturer of the humidifying system 100. In various embodiments, the threshold for ΔT and/or ΔRH may be determined based on one or more predetermined modes. In various embodiments, the humidifying system 100 may include one or more sensors to determine a specific humidity or humidity ratio (e.g., grains of water per pound of air) at a location upstream of the water panel 115 and a location downstream of the water panel 115, wherein a difference in the specific humidity upstream vs. downstream may determine a threshold for comparison in operation 440.

Notwithstanding the embodiments described above in FIGS. 1-5, various modifications and inclusions to those embodiments are contemplated and considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

It is also to be understood that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the systems and methods as shown in the representative embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed.

Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other illustrative embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, functions and procedures described above may be performed by specialized equipment designed to perform the particular functions and procedures. The functions may also be performed by general-use equipment that executes commands related to the functions and procedures, or each function and procedure may be performed by a different piece of equipment with one piece of equipment serving as control or with a separate control device.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Similarly, unless otherwise specified, the phrase “based on” should not be construed in a limiting manner and thus should be understood as “based at least in part on.” Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” Further, unless otherwise noted, the use of the words “approximate,” “about,” “around,” “substantially,” etc., mean plus or minus ten percent

Moreover, although the figures show a specific order of method operations, the order of the operations may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more operations may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection operations, processing operations, comparison operations, and decision operations.

The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources. The term “data processing apparatus” or “computing device” encompasses all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and an I/O device, e.g., a mouse or a touch sensitive screen, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In some embodiments, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTJVIL page) to a client device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated at the client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be received from the client device at the server.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. In some cases, the actions recited herein can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims

1. A system for humidifying an indoor space, the system comprising:

an air circulation unit comprising a fan, wherein the air circulation unit is configured to circulate air to the indoor space;

a water feed valve configured to control water flow from a water source fluidly coupled to the water feed valve;

a water panel in fluid communication with each of the circulation unit and the water feed valve, wherein the water panel is configured to disperse water within the air circulated by the air circulation unit; and

a controller operably coupled to each of the air circulation unit and the water feed valve, wherein the controller is configured to: determine an ambient humidity associated with the indoor space; compare the ambient humidity to a humidity threshold; change an operational state of the water feed valve in response to the ambient humidity satisfying the humidity threshold; and change an operational state of the air circulation unit a period of time after changing the operational state of the water feed valve.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein changing the operational state of the water feed valve comprises decreasing a water flow through the water feed valve.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein a rate of decreasing the flow rate of water through water feed valve is based on a difference in the ambient humidity and a humidity set point.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein changing the operational state of the air circulation unit comprises decreasing a speed of a fan disposed within the air circulation unit.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein changing the operational state of the air circulation unit comprises turning off the air circulation unit.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the water panel is disposed upstream of the air circulation unit.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the period of time is determined based on a drying time associated with the water panel.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the period of time is based on a runtime of the humidifying system.

9. A system for humidifying an indoor space, the system comprising:

an air circulation unit comprising a fan, wherein the air circulation unit is configured to circulate air to the indoor space;

a water feed valve configured to control water flow from a water source fluidly coupled to the water feed valve;

a water panel in fluid communication with each of the circulation unit and the water feed valve, wherein the water panel is configured to disperse water within the air circulated by the air circulation unit; and

a controller operably coupled to each of the air circulation unit and the water feed valve, wherein the controller is configured to: determine an ambient humidity associated with the indoor space; compare the ambient humidity to a humidity threshold; change an operational state of the water feed valve in response to the ambient humidity satisfying the humidity threshold; determine at least one of a humidity differential or a temperature differential associated with the water panel; compare at least one of the humidity differential or the temperature differential to a threshold; and change an operational state of the air circulation unit response to at least one of the humidity differential or the temperature differential satisfying the threshold.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor is disposed upstream of the water panel and configured to make a first detection and the second sensor is disposed downstream of the water panel and configured to make a second detection.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first and second detections correspond to a first and second temperature, respectively, and wherein the temperature differential is equal to a difference between the first and second temperatures.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first and second detections correspond to a first and second humidity, respectively, and wherein the humidity differential is equal to a difference between the first humidity and the second humidity.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein changing the operational state of the air circulation unit comprises decreasing a speed of a fan disposed within the air circulation unit.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein changing the operational state of the air circulation unit comprises turning off the air circulation unit.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein changing the operational state of the water feed valve comprises decrease a water flow through the water feed valve.

16. A method for humidifying an indoor space, the method comprising:

determining, by a controller, an ambient humidity associated with the indoor space;

comparing, by the controller, the ambient humidity to a humidity threshold;

changing, by the controller, an operational state of a water feed valve operably coupled to the controller in response to the ambient humidity satisfying the humidity threshold, wherein the water feed valve is fluidly coupled to a water panel; and

changing, by the controller, an operational state of an air circulation unit operably coupled to the controller a period of time after changing the operational state of the water feed valve.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the period of time is based on a drying time associated with the water panel.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

determining, by the controller, at least one of a humidity differential or a temperature differential associated with the water panel; and

comparing, by the controller, at least one of the humidity differential or the temperature differential to a threshold.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the period of time is determined by an amount of time until the humidity differential or the temperature differential satisfies the threshold.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein changing the operational state of the water feed valve comprises decrease a water flow through the water feed valve.