Abstract: A humidifier for use in a central HVAC duct. The humidifier includes a water delivery system for applying water to an evaporator pad, a drain system for removing excess water that is not evaporated, and a control system employing two temperature sensors directly measuring the temperature of the air before and after the evaporator pad. The control system uses the two temperatures to adjust the water flow across the pad by cycling the water delivery system so that drain water is minimized while maximizing the evaporative capacity of the humidifier thus satisfying the humidification load as quickly as possible with the least amount of drain water. The humidifier may have either an integral fan or a flow-through housing for passing air across the wetted evaporator pad to increase the humidity level of the air.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and method for conditioning air utilizes a main air conditioning body fitted minimally with an ambient air temperature and humidity sensor, a humidifier, a conditioned air fan, a downstream air temperature and humidity sensor, and a central controller for sensing and controlling each of the operative elements of the system. The humidifier includes a plurality of nozzles which spray conditioning water into the incoming airstream. Optional components include an air pre-heater, a pre-filter, a heat exchanger, and a final filter.