Modeling of evaporative humidifiers to optimize indoor humidity control

Abstract

Optimizing the parameters using a model is effective in presenting more appropriate control methods for air conditioning systems equipped with an evaporative humidifier. In this study, first, the operating conditions of the outdoor and indoor air conditioners, and the actual indoor temperature and humidity were determined based on data measured in an existing building. Then, a model was created to reproduce the humidification process in evaporative humidifier, using weekday data of the inlet/outlet air temperature, humidity, and airflow rate at evaporative humidifier. The calculated results based on the model reproduced the fluctuations and values at many times during the day, while deviations were observed in the calculated values of humidification during active humidification by additional water supply and during the night when the airflow rate is lower than the day, suggesting the need to correct the parameters according to the water supply and airflow.