Ecology of consumption. Home: Many people believe that purchasing an air humidifier for an apartment is an unsuccessful and unnecessary thing. But this is not true at all. This device is not a luxury at all. Moreover, you can make an ultrasonic air humidifier with your own hands.
Many people believe that purchasing an air humidifier for their apartment is a bad and unnecessary thing. But this is not true at all. This device is not a luxury at all. Moreover, you can make an ultrasonic air humidifier with your own hands.
Very often, humidifiers are purchased because of the need to regulate the air quality in those rooms where people constantly live. Such a need may be caused by the emergence of diseases, which may be caused by poor-quality, dry air, which makes breathing difficult and negatively affects overall well-being. In addition, dry air can harm not only people, but also furniture made of wood, natural parquet, as well as plants and flowers.
For a child's room, an air humidifier is simply an indispensable device, since insufficient air humidity is very harmful to the child's body. Dry air damages mucous membranes and increases the likelihood of respiratory diseases.
Any type of humidifiers for home and office does not require installation and has the ability to operate around the clock indoors, which can be an office, apartment or office. Such devices operate quietly enough, so they can be installed in the bedroom.
TYPES OF HUMIDIFIERS
Based on their design and operating principle, there are five main types of humidifiers:
- Cold steam devices.
This is the most traditional type of humidifier. Operation of this device consists of cold evaporation of liquid. Water is poured into the tank, then it is directed to the pan, and from there to the evaporation cartridges. The most simple models have replaceable paper filters. From the evaporative elements, the air, moistened, passes into the room.
Such devices not only humidify the air, but also purify it. All dirt accumulates in cartridges and filters. For cold humidifiers, distilled water is used. The advantage of such devices is that they save a lot of energy. It is also important that they operate virtually silently. This type Humidifiers are usually installed in the children's room and bedroom, as well as in offices. The only disadvantage of such devices is that they have little power.
- Hot steam devices.
The operation of these devices is based on the evaporation of liquid by heating it. Such devices operate on the principle electric kettle. If the water in the evaporator has completely boiled away, the device turns itself off. Therefore, such devices are completely fireproof. This type of humidifier has a hydrostat, which allows the device to control air humidity and turn off automatically when this indicator reaches the desired value.
A steam or ultrasonic humidifier is best used to create a comfortable climate in greenhouses. Positive qualities steam devices are easy to operate and use them for inhalation. You just need to add an infusion of medicinal ingredients or aromatic oils to the device. Aroma oils The device can also be used as an air freshener.
- Ultrasound devices
The operating principle of an ultrasonic air humidifier is to transform water particles into a “water cloud” state. This occurs not due to the boiling of the liquid, but due to high-frequency vibrations. Dry air passes into the humidifier. Then, using a fan, it is released into the room in the form of a cold fog. These humidifiers do not heat the water, so they can be used in rooms where there are small children.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are suitable for rooms containing objects that need to maintain a certain level of humidity. These items include antiques, antique furniture, musical instruments. An ultrasonic humidifier can also be installed in a living room.
The operating principle of an ultrasonic humidifier allows for very precise control of humidity. Of course, such devices are quite expensive, but they are quite easy to make yourself.
- Climate complexes
Such humidifiers help not only to humidify, but also to cleanse the air of any contaminants. The humidification process follows the operating principle of steam devices. The filter inserted into the device is most often anti-allergenic and antibacterial. If the device is equipped carbon filter, then it will help rid the room of bad odors and tobacco smoke. These complexes can be installed in offices and children's rooms. Some models can accommodate aromatherapy capsules.
Although all these types of humidifiers have their own advantages, ultrasonic humidifiers, which you can make yourself, are still especially popular. Can help with this step-by-step instruction described below.
- Spray type humidifiers.
Such humidifiers spray a water suspension, which is tiny particles of water. When leaving the humidifier, the suspension turns into steam. Such devices are very powerful, but very expensive. Therefore, such humidifiers, which are also called atomizers, are installed only in industrial premises where they can justify themselves.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ULTRASONIC HUMIDIFIERS
The positive aspects of such devices are visible to the naked eye. These include a high degree of safety, ease of use, low noise and small size, which is very important for Russian apartments. In addition, such humidifiers save electricity despite their good performance. Precise humidity control is also an important advantage.
The only drawback of such devices is that they have strict water requirements. It is best if it is distilled.
CREATION OF AN ULTRASONIC HUMIDIFIER
In order to make an ultrasonic air humidifier with your own hands, you will need:
- Ultrasonic steam generator.
- Fan for computer.
- Plastic container 5 or 10 liters.
- A plastic cup.
- Detail from a baby pyramid in the shape of a donut.
- 24v7 power supply.
- Flexible pipe, corrugated.
- Stabilizer.
- Aluminum corner
Everything you need to create a humidifier can be found at home or purchased at a hardware store. The total cost of this homemade technique will be no more than one thousand rubles, which is significantly lower than the cost of a factory humidifier. So how to make an ultrasonic humidifier? Let's describe the whole process.
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The dispersive effect of ultrasound on liquids has been known for a long time. Back in 1927, Wood and Loomis described the phenomenon of the formation of mists above the surface of volatile liquids in a glass vessel immersed in an ultrasonic field. The development of technology for producing mists was the use of devices for focusing ultrasonic energy in the plane of the interface between the liquid and gaseous phases.
Ultrasonic nebulizers have a high productivity of liquid atomization - up to 3 g/min, a smooth change in atomization productivity, and the formation of an aerosol with a narrow specified range of particle sizes, which contributes to the deposition of the bulk of particles in specified areas of the patient's respiratory tract. For example, coarse suspensions with a particle diameter of more than 30 microns are deposited in the upper part of the trachea, particles with a diameter of 10 microns reach the bronchi, and aerosols with a particle diameter of 3 to 0.5 microns can penetrate into the alveoli. The possibility of targeted deposition of aerosols is especially advantageous in the treatment of chronic diseases lungs. Ultrasonic nebulizers produce aerosols with a high particle density, which helps achieve a better therapeutic effect. The absence of foreign carrier gas during aerosol generation is especially advisable when performing mechanical ventilation with devices switching by volume or frequency, since under these conditions the specified ventilation parameters are not violated. The absence of foreign carrier gas maintains the desired composition of the inhaled gas.
All models of ultrasonic sprayers, a simplified diagram of which is shown in Fig. 29, have a spray chamber (1), a sound-permeable membrane (2) and an ultrasonic generator (3). In the piezoelectric transducer of the generator, electrical energy is converted into mechanical vibrations, the frequency of which is in the ultrasonic range. High-frequency vibrations coming from the ultrasonic head through contact water enter a sound-permeable membrane, over which the liquid in the chamber is dispersed. The use of dosing taps, pumps or droppers ensures a strict dosage of the amount of liquid for dispersion.
Figure 29. Ultrasonic nebulizer (diagram). Explanation in the text.
In ultrasonic atomizers, there is a direct relationship between the particle size of the generated aerosol and the frequency of vibration. The higher the vibration frequency, the smaller the particle diameter. At an oscillation frequency of 1 MHz, the particle size is on average 5 μm, and at a frequency of 5 MHz - 1 μm. The ultrasonic atomizers used generate particles ranging in size from 0.5 to 4 microns.
Swedish researchers Herzog, Norlandcr and Engstrom (1964) were the first to use ultrasonic nebulizers for mechanical ventilation, using them together with the Engstrom respirator ER-200.
The TuR enterprise (Dresden, GDR) has created ultrasonic and personal-use nebulizers USI-2, USI-3, USI-50. As our experience has shown, they can be successfully used for aerosol therapy and for humidifying respiratory mixtures during controlled or auxiliary ventilation.
Schematic diagram ultrasonic inhalers of the “USI” type is similar to that described above. To connect the spray chamber of inhalers to ventilators, the inhalation and exhalation valves are removed from it. Parts of the inhalation hose are connected to the freed pipes in such a way that the nebulizer is “in the cut” of the inhalation hose, in the path of the inhaled gas mixture. During the inhalation phase, the gas passes through the spray chamber and carries the aerosol with it. The level of dispersed liquid in the chamber is constantly maintained by the flow of liquid from the reservoir. The USI-50 nebulizer can heat the inhaled gas to 30 - 32°C.
With ultrasonic spraying due to the exclusive high density aerosols, the resistance of the respiratory tract increases and the concentration of oxygen in the inhaled mixture decreases. With mechanical ventilation with hyperoxic respiratory mixtures, these undesirable effects become less significant. However, there remains the possibility of lung damage due to prolonged waterlogging. Excessive lung flushing leads to loss of surfactant, poor compliance, interstitial edema, and changes in alveolar membranes. It is also necessary to take into account the effect of hydration on the patient’s overall fluid balance. With the help of an ultrasonic nebulizer, the water content in the body can increase by more than 200 ml every day. In cases where maintaining water balance is critical (such as when renal failure), such an unforeseen “overwatering” can lead to serious complications for the patient. The same factor should be taken into account when performing mechanical ventilation in newborns and young children.
Among the large family of similar equipment, it is always popular with most users. Air humidity is increased by spraying tiny particles of water using an ultrasonic plate. It is because of this that a particularly fine water mist is obtained, without heating the surrounding air. Moisture particles dispersed in the air are so small in size that they do not settle under the influence of gravity, but are retained by molecules air mixture until they are completely dissolved.
In this article you will learn how an ultrasonic humidifier works, its design, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of an air conditioning device.
Design and principle of operation of the humidifier
The climatic device consists of a container in which the main supply of water is located, and the base of the device, with an emitter located in it. A dosing valve is installed in the main water reserve tank, which serves to maintain the required water level in the compartment with the emitter, preventing excess. In addition, a fan is installed in the humidifier to blow out water sprayed by the ultrasonic element.
Almost every modern air humidifier has electronic control, and a hygrostat to accurately measure humidity levels. Many manufacturers equip their devices with ionizers, different system filtering and many additional programs for more comfortable use of the device.
The operating principle of an ultrasonic humidifier is easy to understand.
- The main unit of the device is the emitter. It looks like a washer made of piezoceramic ceramics, with silver-plated electrodes exposed.
- When applying for it alternating current, this element begins to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. When a certain power is reached, the vibration speed increases to such an extent that it begins to break the surface of the water into tiny particles.
- Water, converted by the emitter into an aerosol in the chamber above the ultrasonic element, is blown out installed fan. Water mist fills the room and increases air humidity levels to user-set limits.
- The hygrometer installed in the device will show the relative humidity of the air, and the user always has the opportunity to stop the device from executing the program or increase the power of the humidifier if there is insufficient humidity.
- After the device reaches required values humidity, it stops and is in standby mode. After the moisture content in the room air decreases, the device automatically turns on and the cycle repeats.
Features of some models, advantages and disadvantages of devices
- Fully automatic devices have sensors that independently navigate the room and select the desired work program to achieve maximum level comfort.
- Some models are equipped with an air filtration system, which significantly reduces the amount of dust in the surrounding air.
- Many companies equip their devices with effective water filters, thanks to which the salt content is significantly reduced and tap water can be used in the device.
Ultrasonic humidifiers have undeniable advantages that deserve respect:
- Spraying water into the fog.
- air humidity.
- Low noise level.
- Compact and ergonomic.
But this climate control equipment also has disadvantages. Many people ask whether an ultrasonic humidifier is harmful. It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally, since the main “disease” of these devices is the presence in the air, and then on household items. white plaque. And the white coating is salts in the water. When the “fog” evaporates from the air, salts fall onto the floor and furniture in the room.
The emitter itself does not cause any harm to the health and well-being of humans and domestic animals, but the salt deposit, along with air currents, is inhaled into the lungs. A healthy person won’t even notice this, but an asthmatic or a person suffering from certain types of allergies may feel a deterioration in their health, even leading to attacks.
In general, a humidifier is a very useful device, especially in... Thanks to this device, a person’s breathing becomes deeper, which means that the blood is more saturated with oxygen and nourishes the brain and all organs. Sleep becomes stronger and deeper, a person rests better in a humidified room. In addition, the nasopharyngeal mucosa does not dry out, and this is very important for people with respiratory problems and those who snore.
Many people, especially before the birth of a child in the family, face not an easy task and ask the question how to choose an ultrasonic humidifier. There are several main criteria for choosing humidifiers:
- The main criterion in choosing this climate control device is its autonomy, so you should choose a device with a large water tank volume.
- The power of the device is also important. Why use inexpensive and beautiful equipment that will not cope with the assigned tasks.
- Choose a device with the lowest noise level. In the store it may seem to you that it is completely inaudible, but at night the noise will definitely appear and interfere with normal sleep.
- Pay attention to models equipped with a water filtration system to avoid the appearance of white deposits in the room.
Advice:
When choosing suitable model humidifier, first of all, you should pay attention to user reviews certain models. Here you can definitely find out all the advantages and disadvantages of this model.
Dry air in living spaces is an absolute discomfort and one of the root causes of poor health. But you shouldn’t rush into buying expensive equipment if you have the time and resources to make a simple humidifier yourself, moreover, as a highly efficient compact device.
Difference from a steam generator
There are two types of household humidifiers. Some work by increasing the evaporation area, others by heating the liquid until steam forms. In both cases, water evaporation occurs naturally; we won’t talk about steam generators today.
Most modern household appliances use a piezo emitter - a plate that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. The principle of evaporation here is this: water is broken into very small particles, a fine suspension, which cannot “stick together” back and continue to exist in the form of water vapor. The advantage of dispersed humidifiers is low energy consumption and the almost complete absence of scale in the device itself, which affects its durability.
Household Ultrasonic Humidifier
Body parts
The water container is a regular three-liter jar. It will completely evaporate in 6-8 hours; if you need more, use five-liter bottles or cylinders for drinking water.
There are two types of connection between the container and the body. In our case, we will install the jar upside down on a round wooden washer. Of course, the service life of such a part is not very long, but nothing prevents you from making a new one. In addition, you can take a “moisture-resistant” tree, for example, larch or linden, as a basis. First, use a 100 mm wood crown to drill out a washer from a 50 mm thick board. Then, using a 75 or 80 mm crown, we make an annular groove about 15 mm deep using the existing hole in the center, and then select the central part with a 60 or 50 mm crown.
Using a penknife, we expand the sample from the crown to 9-10 mm, then we go inside with a thin chisel, giving the correct profile. As a result, the washer should fit tightly enough onto the jar, like a lid. Along the upper edge of the washer, use a hacksaw to cut crosswise to a depth of about 15 mm to create small holes for air intake and water outflow. As a result, the structure should work as a drinking bowl for young birds.
As a second option, you can use an external container: a small tank or canister connected to the evaporator by two thin silicone tubes. It is important, however, that the supply tube comes out at the very bottom of the container. The insertion level of the second hose exactly determines the height of the water layer.
Ultrasonic evaporator
This is, in fact, the only expensive part that you will have to buy. But do not rush to purchase components for existing models humidifiers, they are at least twice as expensive.
A regular piezoelectric element costs from 300 to 500 rubles. You can buy one at online auctions, or directly from China. Make no mistake in your choice: a “bare” piezoelectric element will not work; you need a device in a waterproof case with a pair of outgoing wires and a plug at the end. The difference is that such a humidifier has all the necessary piping to generate the required frequency and can be placed in literally any container of water without additional waterproofing.
The evaporator must be fixed at the bottom of the container in an arbitrary place, but not close to the walls, leaving free place for installing a water container. If the evaporator body is not waterproof, or the plate does not sink deep enough during installation, the device can be secured to the bottom of a container with outside. It is necessary to make a neat hole under the side of the plate and seal the junction with sanitary silicone. For stability, the container will need to be equipped with legs or a stand.
Dry running protection
The emitter must always be submerged; this is critically important. Without water, it resonates, heats up and fails in a matter of seconds.
Protection against dry running can be done with a simple washer fluid level sensor for domestic cars. It is advisable to purchase short float sensors with a reed switch in a small tube, otherwise there is a high risk that the humidifier will turn off before the water in the jar runs out.
Place the sensor at the bottom of the container so that once the jar is installed, it will be inside. If the container is separate, the sensor is installed in it. The normal mode of operation of the sensor is an open contact, but there can be several switching schemes. To invert the signal, use an intermediate relay or semiconductor switch. If the contact sensor has a standard operating circuit, then it can be connected directly to the power supply circuit of a low-power emitter.
Power and automation
Most piezo emitters are designed for low voltage power supply of 12 or 24 V direct current. There are many options for how to power a homemade humidifier. We recommend, solely for safety reasons, to place the power supply and automation unit in a separate housing.
The simplest and most universal option is a PC power supply. They have a single designation system:
- yellow wires +12 V;
- black wire - general negative;
- dark blue wire - 12 V in reverse polarity (up to 0.5A).
Thus, the 12 V connection is made with a black and yellow wire, and the 24 V connection is made with yellow and blue wires.
Since a perfectly stabilized voltage is not required to power the emitter, you can use small transformers from old radios and other household appliances with diode bridge and without frequency generator. You can wind the transformer yourself on a small (up to 30 mm) ferrite core, since the power of the piezo emitter is minimal.
To automate the operation of the evaporator to turn off when a certain humidity level is reached, you will need wall-mounted put together a small diagram. Its first part is the DHT11 sensor with a digital output signal. The second element is Arduino mini as a digital controller. Executive device The circuit is a thyristor switch or microrelay with a current consumption of up to 0.3 A, and a 10-15 kOhm variable resistor acts as a regulator.
1. Power connectors. 2. Key transistors. 3. Arduino controller board. 4. Humidity sensor
The sketch (algorithm, firmware) for such an assembly is very simple. We declare two global variables int and write into them the values on the Pins of the sensor and potentiometer. To compare the values, only one if-else construct is used in an endless loop, secondary condition which acts as an exception that turns off the piezo emitter relay if the variable humidity value exceeds the setting value. To calibrate the values, use the connected board's port monitor.
Final assembly of the device
Finally, let's assemble the device. We tighten the washer under the jar to the bottom of the container with self-tapping screws, having previously coated it with sealant. We put the empty jar in place, measure the distances from the sides and transfer the dimensions to the lid of the container. We cut a hole according to the markings and put a thin piece on the edge silicone tube, cut lengthwise.
With a distance of 20-30 mm from the cutout, we make a second hole with a diameter of 50 mm and install a computer cooler on four 60 mm screws, which will direct the air flow upward, removing steam from the container and facilitating its generation with a slight vacuum. To connect to the power supply, PVS 3x0.75 mm is used.
Now all that remains is to fill the jar with water to the brim, put the assembled humidifier on top, turn the structure over and apply power.
