Study of a new humidifier configuration designed for climatic chambers

Abstract

Climate chambers are crucial for testing and developing different products under specific atmospheric conditions. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results, it is essential to maintain precise control over the chamber's relative humidity and temperature levels. However, designing a humidifier that meets the stringent requirements of a climate chamber remains a challenge. This paper presents a modular piezoelectric ultrasonic humidifier designed to fulfill the high reliability and homogeneity standards demanded in industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The experimental design and testing of the prototype are discussed, and the simulations performed to evaluate the humidifier's homogeneity and airflow orientation are presented. The prototype was tested by coupling it to an 85 m3 climate chamber dedicated to storage and validated under a temperature condition of 25 °C ± 2 °C and relative humidity of 60% ± 5%. Compared to commercial humidifiers, the specific design of the prototype allowed for better insulation while ensuring the required homogeneity in the climate chamber. During the tests, the relative humidity was 60% ± 3% with temperatures of 25 °C ± 0.5 °C. The results also show that the prototype enabled quick and efficient rebalancing of the relative humidity level while keeping the chamber within the permitted relative humidity limits. Overall, this work contributes to the advancement of climate chamber technology, which is critical in product development and research applications.