WO2017100955A2

WO2017100955A2 - Method and device for air humidification using a microporous membrane

Info

Publication number: WO2017100955A2
Application number: PCT/CH2016/000156
Authority: WO
Inventors: Urs Forster; Frank Walter LICHTNER; Leo Rasmussen; Daniel Winter; Peter Kappenberger
Original assignee: Condair Group Ag; Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
Priority date: 2015-12-18
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2017-06-22
Also published as: EP3441687A2; EP3441687A3; EP3390923A2; WO2017100955A3; CH711934A2; EP3390923B1; EP3441687B1; EP3696468A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an air humidifier device (10) comprising a hydrophobic microporous membrane (1) as a separator between the water and the air to be humidified, wherein the volumetric flow of water over time is set to be greater by factor X than the volumetric flow of steam. This allows air to be humidified with water at a low temperature, without disruption.

Description

Method and apparatus for air humidification of a microporous membrane

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method for operating an air humidification device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for humidification and the membrane of a humidification device and membrane elements for forming the membrane. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a membrane element.

background

Air humidification devices which use a water impermeable and water vapor permeable membrane are known. Thus, DE 10 2008 038 557 Al explains the disadvantages of the known humidifier and proposes a humidifier with a separating membrane, in particular with a separating membrane of a hydrophobic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is proposed to regulate the humidifying performance by the temperature of the water acting on one side of the membrane. As the water temperature, the range of 10 to 60 ° C, in particular 15 to 35 ° C is proposed. Other air humidifiers with a membrane are described in US Pat

2005/0252982 AI and WO 88/06912. It can be seen that there is a strong cooling of the water on the membrane by the energy required for evaporation, which makes the operation of such air humidification devices with low water temperatures inefficient. It is therefore necessary in practice a relatively high water temperature in order to achieve a good humidifying performance and to avoid a cooling of the water in a too deep area.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the object to make the humidification by means of a membrane humidifier with a separating membrane also practicable with water of relatively low temperature. Furthermore, operation with normal tap water should be possible without a rapid calcification of the membrane humidifier occurs. By solving these tasks, the fields of application of such humidifiers are to be expanded.

The stated objects are achieved by a method for operating an air humidification device according to claim 1.

If an air humidification device with a preferably hydrophobic membrane, which is impermeable to water but permeable to water vapor, is operated according to the invention such that the water mass flow flowing past the membrane in kg / h is selected to be larger by a factor X than the water vapor mass flow leaving the membrane in the air channel kg / h, where the factor X is greater than 5, it can be seen that the cooling of the water at the membrane can be kept so low that even with flowing to the membrane water of relatively low temperature, a good humidification performance can be achieved. Thus, with the use of a large amount (mass) per unit time of water compared to the amount (mass) per unit of water vapor released into the air, the negative effect of excessive cooling of the water can be avoided, including practical use allowed only moderately heated water. Furthermore, there is a good heat and mass transfer and a good avoidance of deposits by the shear forces, which are generated by the high overflow velocity of the water. In order to also results in a precise control of AufKonzentration of solutes and possibly impurities per pass and also the formation of a so-called biofilm, a mucus layer in the microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi are embedded, can be effectively prevented, resulting in a hygienic operation facilitated. Furthermore, local dead zones of the flow are reduced, resulting in a homogeneous temperature and concentration distribution over the surface of the membrane. This increases the humidification performance and also avoids local precipitations of solutes and any contaminants on the membrane.

The desired steam mass flow can be specified, whereupon the corresponding mass of water results. The water vapor mass flow can also be measured in any known manner via the air mass and its moisture.

For example, the invention may allow the use of water having a similar temperature to the fluid in floor heaters, allowing the humidifier to be powered by bottom heating without the need to additionally increase the temperature of the water.

It turns out that a factor of greater than 10 is particularly suitable, in particular a factor greater than 20, in particular a factor of greater than 50 and in particular a factor of greater than 50 to 250. The restriction of the size of the factor results essentially for practical reasons, since at a very high factor the mass flow of water in the humidifier becomes very large; As a rule, therefore, a factor greater than 500 will not make any technical sense.

The invention thus relates to the operation of an air humidifier based on a preferably hydrophobic ("water-repellent") membrane which is water-impermeable but permeable to water vapor. Ranen are known in the art and commercially available. The humidifier should be able to be installed in the supply air duct of a ventilation and air-conditioning system and have the option of moistening the supply air to such an extent that the resulting supply air is adjusted in the so-called comfort range. In the industrial application of such humidifiers humidification may be above or below the so-called comfort range for living spaces. Compared with the steam humidifiers commonly used, potentially large savings in power consumption are possible, since the humidifier operated according to the invention with membrane can already be operated with moderately warm water, and thus no electrical energy has to be expended for steam generation. The energy required for the production of hot water for the inventive method can be provided for example from otherwise unused waste heat or solar heat generation.

The control of the humidity can be controlled both only by the water temperature of the water mass flowing past the membrane, and only by setting the factor X or the water circulation mass flow. Preferably, a coupled control takes place, so that the amount of water vapor per time or the moisture in the space to be humidified is effected both by influencing the water temperature and the amount of water per time or the factor X. Furthermore, the control with these two influencing variables is preferably dependent on the value of the water temperature. At low water temperature (only slightly above the temperature of the supplied air), the influence of an increase in the circulating water flow is quite low, since the temperature drop in the water when flowing through the membrane elements is also quite low and thus also the change in the mean water temperature the membrane. In particular, at a low water temperature of less than about 25 ° C, the control significantly over an influence (Increase or decrease) of the water temperature, while at a higher water inlet temperature of about greater than 40 ° C, the control takes place substantially on the influence of the factor X (increase or decrease of the same). In the temperature range between the mentioned values, the control takes place by influencing both the water temperature and the factor X. This can be a simple linear dependence of the two influences as a function of the temperature. The stated temperature limits are to be understood only as an example and these may in particular also depend on the particular type and dimensions of the membrane of the humidification device, but are easily determined by the skilled person by means of experiments. Preference is given to an increase or reduction, coupled to the water inlet temperature (to the membrane), of the circulating water mass flow for controlling the amount of steam or the humidifying power of the air humidifying device. Preferably, the amount of water is measured with a flow sensor, in particular between a water pump of the humidifying device and the inlet into the container containing the membrane. Preferably, the temperature of the water is further measured, in particular at the same point at which the water flow is measured.

An important aspect of supply air humidification is the adherence to a high standard of hygiene. While this is ensured in the steam humidification by the high temperature of the water vapor, the membrane humidification meets the hygiene requirements due to the following two aspects: First, the membrane is preferably hydrophobic and thus it is assumed that the bacteria and microorganisms present in the water, such. Bacteria that do not come in direct contact with the micropores of the membrane and thus not in the

Pass airflow. On the other hand, the (average) pore size of the membrane is 0.05 microns to 0.25 Micrometers, at most up to 0.5 micrometers and preferably about 0.1 to 0.2 micrometers usually below the size of the germs or microorganisms.

As the material of the membrane, a hydrophobic polymer can be used, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), but also polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polypropylene (PP) or polyurethane (PO) come into question. Other non-hydrophobic membranes and hydrophobic surface coating membranes (multi-layer membranes / asymmetric membranes) may also be used.

Constructively, both the use of flat membranes (flat screen membranes or flat sheet membranes), that is, surface-mounted membrane materials, as well as hollow-fiber membranes or capillary membranes are possible.

For the air and water management, a version can be provided as a counter-current arrangement or as a cross-flow arrangement or as a DC arrangement. As the embodiment described in more detail below, a cross-countercurrent arrangement is also preferred.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the membrane of the humidifying device is formed from a plurality of membrane elements, each having a frame formed from frame webs with a front and a back and side walls. The membrane material is in each case arranged flat on at least one side of this frame and is preferably arranged on both sides, on the front side and on the back side, in a planar manner. In this case, the membrane material is attached to the respective frame surfaces of the front and back of the frame watertight, so that within the frame, a waterproof, bounded by the frame and the membrane surfaces space is formed, or possibly formed by a membrane surface and a non-membrane area limited space is, if only one side of the frame an area of membrane material is provided, from which space only the Water vapor can escape through the membrane. The frame has on sidewalls at least one leading into the space opening as a water inlet and at least one leading into the space opening as a water outlet. Furthermore, the frame has in its interior at least one web, preferably a plurality of webs which connect inner side walls of the frame, which webs have a first portion substantially the same thickness D as the frame webs and a second portion of its length has a smaller thickness Dl as the frame webs. The sections of lesser thickness form water passages within the frame. The membrane surfaces are watertightly attached to the first portions of the ridges or, if desired, a non-membrane surface is watertightly connected to the ridges when a membrane surface is disposed on only one side of the frame and the other side of the frame is closed by a non-membrane surface around the watertight space to build.

This preferred embodiment of the membrane elements results in a very good possibility of mounting and stability of the respective membrane surface on the frame by this is also attached to the webs. The watertight fastening can take place, for example, by plastic welding of the membrane and the webs formed from a plastic or can be effected by lamination or gluing.

Due to the stable attachment, operation with the large water mass flow is possible even with sensitive membranes. Due to the special arrangement of the webs and the water outlets in the frame, a desired flow path for the water can be achieved in a simple manner. It is preferred that at least one web is provided, but in particular that a plurality of webs are provided, the first portions are arranged alternately starting from opposite side walls of the frame. In this way, simply a cross-countercurrent arrangement can be achieved because the Water flow is effected in the frame interior accordingly. It also results in a higher average flow rate, the prevention or reduction of dead zones and a good heat and mass transfer.

Further stabilization of the membrane elements or of the membrane composed of these results if at least some of the webs, in particular all of the webs, are connected to one another or to a side wall by means of support webs extending essentially transversely to the webs, wherein the support webs are the smaller ones Have thickness Dl or have an even smaller thickness so as not to disturb the flow of water.

Furthermore, it is preferred for the water flow if, in each case in the case of the membrane elements, the respective end of the first section is rounded in at least one of the webs, in particular in all the webs. Furthermore, the respective end of the first section may be bent away from the first opening, and thus away from the water inlet, at at least one of the webs or at all the webs. Both measures, individually or preferably in combination, are advantageous for the water flow in the frame and avoid or reduce dead zones.

In the membrane elements, formations may be provided at second portions of lesser thickness D1 within the water passages formed thereby, which provide additional surfaces for attachment of the membrane material above the water passages to stabilize the membrane surface. In particular, such formations can be provided on both sides of a respective second section if a membrane surface is attached to the frame on the front side and on the rear side.

Furthermore, it is preferred that, in the case of the membrane elements in the webs, channels are provided in the region of their connection to the side walls, the cross-section of which through which is flowed through being smaller by a multiple the provided by the respective water passages cross section for the water. This channels are created for a possible drainage of the membrane elements with switched off humidification or their water system to prevent standing residual water for hygiene reasons can. The channels are designed with such small diameters that do not interfere with the water flow during operation.

The membrane elements are preferably provided with positioning means arranged on the frame in order to connect a plurality of membrane elements to form a large membrane as the sum of the respective membrane surfaces of the elements. In this case, the air passages for the air to be humidified are formed between the membrane elements, which air flows past the individual membrane surfaces.

In another exemplary embodiment with flat membrane at least two water-carrying, vertically extending membrane channels are arranged one behind the other in the flow direction of the air. In cross section across the channel width, this arrangement is repeated in each case separately through an air gap. In the rear membrane channel, viewed in the direction of air flow, the warm water from the water guide arrangement flows from bottom to top, i. against gravity, into an upper distribution tank {header tank) and flows from there further in the front membrane channel from top to bottom in the drain or preferably back into a recirculation circulation. The advantage of this so-called cross-countercurrent arrangement, which also results in this example, is primarily that the difference between the water vapor partial pressure between both sides of the membrane (ie within the water-carrying side of the membrane to the air side of the membrane) is greater on average than if There is only one direction of flow on the water-bearing side, and thus the total water vapor diffusion is higher.

Furthermore, it can also be seen as a constructive advantage if the entire water supply and the control tion can be arranged on the underside of the membrane humidifier.

Basically, in the procedure described above not only - as the primary desired effect - water vapor for humidification diffused through the membrane wall but it is also simultaneously by the evaporation of a small portion of water to water vapor within the membrane channels, the water gradually cooled and at the same time finds Heat transport takes place via the membrane wall.

Since a flat membrane has only a low intrinsic stability, it is preferably reinforced. On the one hand, this can take place by fastening, for example by fastening, in particular by means of welding or lamination, the membrane with a part of its water-side surface on an inner support structure. Thus, an inner support structure is provided in the water flow region of the membrane and is designed so as to inhibit the flow of water as little as possible. A preferred example of such membrane elements designed to form the membrane has been previously explained. Furthermore, however, it is also possible to provide an outer support structure for the membrane in the airflow region. On the outer support structure, the membrane may be attached or only loosely supported or pressed by the water pressure. Advantages of the flat membrane are a simpler cleaning and a lower pressure loss in the air duct.

In one embodiment of the present invention with capillary membranes, the entire membrane surface is formed from a plurality of tubular capillary membranes vertically in the channel cross-section. The membrane surfaces consist of several columns of aligned in the air flow direction tube. For example, with an external diameter of 2 mm per tube, several dozen of these tubes are arranged one after the other in a row and parallel to the flow direction of the air in the channel. In- Within a row, the tubes are only arranged with little or no spacing, for reasons of mechanical stability, the packing density (membrane area per volume) and also with advantages in the pressure loss in the air duct. For each row, the warmer water from the supply side upwards into the distribution tank and from there over the respective front half from top to bottom into the drain or into a recirculation loop. Thus, a cross-countercurrent arrangement is likewise realized in analogy to the previously described membrane humidifier with flat membrane. Such an arrangement is basically known and shown for example in a perspective view of a comparable arrangement of tubes in Figure 2 of the aforementioned ÜS 2005/0252982.

Advantages of the use of capillary membranes over flat membranes are, in addition to the above-mentioned points of higher packing density and greater mechanical stability, also the fact that the sealing of the water channel to the air side can be structurally simpler here and this can be achieved by casting (so-called "potting"). A disadvantage is the use of Kapillarmembrane with regard to their cleaning (air and water side).

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the water temperature of the water flowing into the container in the range of 20 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius is set, in particular the water temperature is set in the range of 25 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius. It is further preferred that the water content of the water supply arrangement is supplemented continuously or discontinuously in order to replace the amount of water evaporating through the membrane.

Further, it is preferable that the water guide assembly comprises a water cycle and further, that the water cycle includes a water tank. It is further preferred that the water supply arrangement comprises at least one heating device for the water and it is preferred that the heating device comprises a water / water heat exchanger and / or that the heating device comprises an electric water heater. The heating device, in particular the electric water heater, is further preferably arranged in the water tank. Furthermore, it is preferred that the concentration of substances dissolved in the water is measured by means of a sensor, for example by means of a sensor with which the electrical conductivity of the water is measured. When reaching a limit of the amount of dissolved substances, a discharge of water from the water cycle and a supplement with fresh water can take place. The removal of water is carried out, for example, from the bottom of the aforementioned water tank, which is particularly good deposits of substances can be removed. This process is known in the trade as "slurrying".

Preferably, the membrane is a hydrophobic, microporous membrane having a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.25 microns, or in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 microns, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 microns to 0.2 microns.

The method may preferably be improved if the air humidifying device has means for blowing air into the water stream before or when the water enters the container and that air is supplied continuously or discontinuously to the water side during operation. Furthermore, it is preferred that the air humidification device has means for generating a turbulent flow on the air side. And further, that the container is arranged with the membrane such that the water flows from bottom to top against the force of gravity on the membrane.

The invention is further based on the object to provide an air humidifying, the the moistening by means of a membrane with water of relatively low temperature makes practical. This is intended to expand the fields of application of such humidifiers.

This object is achieved with an air humidification arrangement having the features of claim 29.

The invention thus relates to an air humidifying device based on a membrane which is impermeable to water but permeable to water vapor, which is preferably hydrophobic (water-repellent). Thus, the invention relates to a so-called membrane humidifier. Membrane materials for such humidifiers are known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available. The humidifier should be installable in the supply air duct of a ventilation system of a building, preferably in front of a distributor to individual apartments of a building, and have the ability to moisten the supply air so far that the resulting supply air is adjusted in the so-called comfort. Compared to the steam humidifiers commonly used, potentially large savings in the required electrical energy are possible since the inventive humidification device with membrane can already be operated with moderately warm water, and thus no electrical energy has to be expended for steam generation. The energy required for the production of hot water can be provided for example from otherwise unused waste heat or solar heat generation. It also results in a good heat and mass transfer and a good avoidance of deposits by the shear forces generated by the high flow velocity of the water.

This also allows a precise control of the concentration of solutes and possibly impurities per run and also the formation of a so-called biofilm, a mucus layer in the micro-organisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi embedded can be so effectively prevented, which facilitates a hygienic operation Furthermore, local dead zones of the flow are reduced and thus results in a homogeneous temperature and concentration distribution over the surface of the membrane. This enhances humidification performance and also avoids local precipitates of solutes and any contaminants, which may also facilitate controlled exfoliation or removal of lustrous substances

An important aspect of supply air humidification is the adherence to a high standard of hygiene. While this is ensured in the steam humidification by the high temperature of the water vapor, the membrane humidification meets the hygiene requirements due to the following two aspects: First, the membrane is preferably hydrophobic and thus it is assumed that the bacteria and microorganisms present in the water, such. Bacteria, do not come into direct contact with the micro- pores of the membrane and thus do not pass into the air flow. On the other hand, the (average) pore size of the membrane is also from 0.05 micrometers to 0.5 micrometers, in particular from 0.05 micrometers to 0.25 micrometers, most preferably and preferably from 0.1 to 0.2 micrometers, usually below the size of the microorganisms ,

As the material of the membrane, a polymer is preferable, especially a hydrophobic polymer. For example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) may be used, but polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polypropylene (PP) or polyurethane (PU) may also be used.

Preferably, the humidification device comprises a plurality of membrane elements which together form the membrane. In this case, the preferred membrane element has a frame formed from frame webs with a front side and a back side and side walls, on which frame the membrane material is arranged flat on at least one side, and on which frame the Membrane material is preferably arranged on both sides, front side and back, flat. The membrane material is waterproofed to the respective frame surfaces of the front and back of the frame. Within the frame so a waterproof, formed by the frame and the membrane surfaces space is formed from which only the water vapor can escape through the membrane. Or a space defined by a membrane surface and a non-membrane surface is formed. The frame has at least one opening on the side walls as a water inlet and at least one opening as a water outlet.

Preferably, the frame has at least one web in its interior, but preferably the frame has a plurality of webs in its interior which connect inner side walls of the frame. The respective webs have substantially the same thickness D over a first section as the webs Frame webs, and the respective webs have a thickness Dl over a second portion of its length, which is less than the thickness of the frame webs. The sections of lesser thickness form water passages within the frame. If there is only one web, then the membrane surface or the membrane surfaces are attached to the first sections of the web in a watertight manner. If there are several webs, then the membrane surface or the membrane surfaces are fastened to the first sections of the webs in a watertight manner. Thus, a meandering water flow within the frame can be effected in a simple manner, so that a cross-countercurrent arrangement is achieved.

Furthermore, the webs can be connected to one another or to a side wall by means of support webs extending essentially transversely to the webs, in order to stabilize the webs and thus also to reduce the load on the membrane surfaces fastened to the webs. In this case, the support webs have the smaller thickness or preferably an even smaller thickness in order not to disturb the water flow. Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one of the webs, the end of the first portion is rounded, which is also advantageous for the flow of water in the meandering arrangement of the webs. Further, in at least one of the lands, the end of the first portion may be bent away from the first opening to also enhance the flow around the first portions and reduce low-flow zones. For this purpose, a formation for influencing the flow is also provided on the inner side wall adjacent to the opening forming the water inlet.

Preferably, to stabilize the membrane surfaces within the second portions of the webs, which have the smaller thickness Dl and form water passages, formations are provided which provide an area for attachment of the membrane material also within the water passages. In particular, a molding can be provided on both sides of a respective second section, if the membrane element is provided on both sides with membrane surfaces.

In the webs can be provided in the region of their connection with the side walls channels whose flow cross section is many times smaller than the provided by the respective water passages cross section for the water, which channels are only in the deactivated state of the humidification device of importance and the removal of Facilitate residual water.

In the case of the membrane elements, positioning means arranged on the frame are preferably provided in order to facilitate the connection of a plurality of membrane elements to a membrane, in which the air passages are formed between the membrane elements.

The membrane element is also preferred

Membrane material is a material with a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 micrometres. preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.25 micrometers, in particular a material having a nominal pore diameter of 0.1 to 0.2 micrometers. The membrane material is a polymer, preferably a hydrophobic polymer, and for example, the membrane material is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polypropylene (PP) or polyurethane (PU) or it is another known membrane material.

It can be provided that the membrane surfaces are reinforced by an outer support structure of a different material to the membrane material, or that the membrane surfaces are reinforced by a support structure made of the same material as the membrane.

Constructively, both the use of flat membranes (flat-screen membranes or flat sheet membranes), ie flat membrane stretched membranes, as well as tubular membranes (hollow fiber membranes and capillary membranes) possible. As a technical embodiment, a cross-countercurrent arrangement is preferred. Also, a counter-current arrangement or a DC arrangement is possible.

In a further exemplary embodiment with a flat membrane at least two water-carrying, vertically extending membrane channels are arranged one behind the other in the flow direction of the air. In cross section across the channel width, this arrangement is repeated in each case separately through an air gap. In the rear membrane channel viewed in the direction of air flow, the warm water flows from the water guide arrangement from bottom to top, ie against gravity, into an upper header tank and from there further in the front membrane channel from top to bottom into the drain or preferably back into a recirculation circuit. The advantage of this so-called cross-counterflow arrangement is primarily that the difference of the partial pressure of water vapor between both sides of the membrane (ie within the water-carrying side of the membrane to the Air side of the membrane) on average is greater than if there is only one direction of flow on the water-bearing side, and thus the total water vapor diffusion is higher. Furthermore, it can also be considered a constructive advantage if the entire water supply and the control can be arranged on the underside of the membrane humidifier.

Basically, in the procedure described above, not only - as the primary desired effect - water vapor is diffused through the membrane wall but it is also simultaneously by the evaporation of a small portion of water to water vapor within the membrane channels, the water gradually cooled and at the same time also finds on the membrane wall Heat and mass transfer instead.

Since a flat membrane has only a low intrinsic stability, it is preferably reinforced, which is achieved on the one hand by laminating the membrane with a part of its water-side surface on a thin, inner support structure in the water flow region of the membrane, which support structure is arranged so that they the water flow hinders as little as possible. Also, a separate outer support structure on which the membrane can rest or to which the membrane is attached, can be provided. Advantages of the flat membrane are a simpler cleaning and a lower pressure loss in the air duct.

In one embodiment of the present invention with capillary membranes, the entire membrane surface is formed from a plurality of tubular capillary membranes vertically in the channel cross-section. The membrane surfaces consist of several columns of aligned in the air flow direction tube. For example, with an external diameter of 2 mm per tube, several dozen of these tubes are arranged one after the other in a row and parallel to the flow direction of the air in the channel. In- Within a row, the tubes are arranged with little or no spacing, for reasons of mechanical stability, the packing density {membrane area per volume) and also with advantages in the pressure loss in the air channel. In each row, the warmer water flows from the supply side down into the distribution tank and from there over the respective front half from top to bottom into the drain or into a recirculation circuit. Thus, a cross-countercurrent arrangement is likewise realized in analogy to the previously described membrane humidifier with flat membrane. Such an arrangement is basically known and shown for example in a perspective view of a comparable arrangement of tubes in Figure 2 of the aforementioned US 2005/0252982.

Advantages of the use of capillary membranes over flat membranes are, in addition to the above-mentioned points of higher packing density and greater mechanical stability, also the fact that the sealing of the water channel to the air side can be structurally simpler and this can be achieved by potting A disadvantage is the use of the capillary membrane in terms of cleaning (air and water side).

In a preferred embodiment of the humidification device according to the invention, the water temperature of the water flowing into the container in the range of 20 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius adjustable, in particular in the range of 25 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius.

It is further preferred that the water content of the water supply arrangement can be supplemented continuously or discontinuously in order to replace the amount of water evaporating through the membrane. Further, it is preferable that the water guide assembly comprises a water cycle and further that the water cycle includes a water tank. Further, it is preferable that the water guide assembly comprises at least one heater for the water, and it is preferable that the heater comprises a fluid-fluid heat exchanger, for example, a water-water heat exchanger and / or that the heater comprises an electric water heater. The heating device, in particular the electric water heater, is further preferably arranged in the water tank.

The air humidification device preferably has at least one water temperature sensor that is signal-wise connected to the control arrangement, in particular a water temperature sensor that is arranged in the water flow between the water pump and the water inlet of the container. It is further preferred that the air humidification device has a water flow meter for measuring the water flow, which is arranged in particular in the water flow between the water pump and the water inlet of the container, and in particular it is preferred that the water temperature sensor and the water flow meter combined with each other.

Preferably, the membrane is a, in particular hydrophobic, microporous membrane having a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 microns, and more particularly having a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.25 microns, and more preferably having a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 microns ,

The air humidifying device may comprise means for blowing air into the water flow before or at the inlet of the water into the container, and be configured such that air can be fed continuously or discontinuously on the water side. Furthermore, it is preferred that the air humidification device has means for generating a turbulent flow on the air side. And further, that the container with the membrane ran is arranged such that the water flows from bottom to top against the force of gravity on the membrane.

The invention is further based on the object to provide membrane elements for providing a membrane for a humidification device. This object is achieved by a membrane element according to claim 46 and is achieved by the membrane formed from such elements.

Another membrane element is with the

Characteristics of claim 57 as well as with the method for its production according to claim 62. The introduction of the membrane directly into the webs provides a very good tightness of the membrane elements and a cost-effective production.

Advantageously, the flat membrane is reinforced, which is achieved on the one hand by laminating the membrane with a part of its water-side surface to a thin inner support structure of the flat membrane. A separate outer support structure may preferably also be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to the figures. Showing:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of embodiments of an air humidification device according to the invention, for explaining the structure and operation thereof;

Figure 2 shows a membrane element with two membrane surfaces in plan view, wherein the front membrane surface is not shown, so that the interior of the membrane element is visible; FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a part of the membrane element of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 schematically shows another arrangement of membrane elements in a membrane of an air humidifier extended with flat membrane surfaces with a horizontal section through the container of the air humidification device;

FIG. 5 a schematic representation of the membrane with capillary membrane surfaces on the basis of a horizontal section through the container of the air humidification device;

FIG. 6 schematically shows a membrane element with a frame and a membrane surface; and

FIG. 7 schematically shows a section through one of the webs of FIG. 6 with the embedding of the membrane surface in the plastic of the web.

Way (s) for carrying out the invention Figure 1 shows schematically and by way of example an air humidifying device 10, wherein the parts belonging to the device are shown within the area bounded by the broken line. The humidifying device 10 is arranged, for example, in a technology room 11 and serves to humidify the air supplied to a room, for example the living space 22, which is only indicated. However, the invention is generally applicable in the field of air conditioning (HVAC).

Air that is discharged from the living space 22 is supplied in this example by a fan 24 via a line 23 an air-to-air heat exchanger 25 in the Tech- space 11 and passes from there via the line 27 in the environment outside the building in which the technical room and the living room are located. Air entering from the environment via the line 26 enters the air via the heat exchanger 25 and the fan 24 '. humidifying device 10 and from this via the line 28 in the living room 22. The fan 24, 24 * and thus the flow rate of the air also has an influence on the humidification performance. The absolute humidification performance in kg / h tends to increase somewhat with increased air velocity. In general, however, the fans are not part or not under the control of the humidification 10. The (rather low) influence of the fan is therefore not considered here.

The humidifying device 10 comprises a membrane 1 shown only diagrammatically by means of which water vapor of the amount M1 per hour (kg / h) is supplied to the air to be humidified. As a rule, the membrane 1 consists of several membrane elements or membrane surfaces, which together form the membrane with an effective total membrane area. Warm water is supplied to one side of the membrane and evaporating water, in the form of water vapor, can pass through the membrane to the other side where it is taken up by the air passing on the other side of the membrane as air flow. This is basically known and was explained at the beginning.

The membrane 1 is arranged in a container 2 which contains the membrane elements or the individual membrane surfaces which together form the membrane. These may in particular be flat elements or cylindrical elements, as also already explained. In the container, the membrane elements forming the membrane 1 are arranged and designed so that on one side of the water flows past and on the other side of the air to be humidified. The container has for this purpose an inlet 3 and an outlet 3 ¹ for the air flow and an inlet 4 for the warm water and a blower 4 'for the less warm water, which has a lower temperature than the inlet 4 in by the required evaporation energy the container entered water. The inputs and outputs for the air and the Inlets and outlets for the water are only indicated in the figure, it is known in the art, such as such inputs and outputs or connections for air and water pipes are configured.

The humidification device has a

Water supply arrangement, which should be the entirety of the lines, water tank, valve and pump means are called, which serve to guide the humidifying water into the container 2 and thus to the membrane 1 and to resume the emerging from the container 2 water. The water supply arrangement preferably has a water circulation, so that water emerging from the container 2 can reenter the container. In between there is at least one step of warming the water so that it again contains enough energy to evaporate some of the water on the membrane.

In the example shown, the water exiting the container 2 at the outlet 4 'passes via a line 4''and elements 30 and 31 which are optional and will be explained later, by means of the line 5 into a water tank or tank 6 and from there via a pump 7 in the line 8, which supplies the water again to the container 2 and thus the membrane 1. Preferably, a sensor 33 is provided which emits an output signal which gives a measure of the concentration of the substances dissolved in the water. Thus, between the tank 6 and the pump 8, a conductivity sensor may be incorporated as a sensor 33 in the line, which outputs as a measured value the conductivity of the water, which represents a measure of the concentration of the dissolved substances in the water, which measured value to the control arrangement 35 is transmitted. At a high conductivity value which is above a suitable predetermined limit, the control unit issues a control signal for slurrying high concentration of solute water to the purge valve 34. The tank 6 is preferably present to provide a sufficient amount of water in a simple manner. Furthermore, the tank allows a simple way to set the amount of water in the system and to keep the system basically depressurized. Further, a tank, as mentioned, allows the removal of the water-accumulating minerals by water with comparatively high concentration of solute discharged and replaced by fresh water with a lower concentration of solutes. This process is often referred to in technical jargon as "blowdown." If a sufficiently long line length is accepted, the tank can be dispensed with, and the amount of water for operating the device is then present in the line branches of the water guide arrangement.

Preferably, at least one sensor is provided which determines the water temperature in the water supply arrangement. Preferred is a sensor 33 ', which determines the water temperature at a point between the pump 7 and the membrane. The water temperature value determined by this sensor is preferably transmitted to the control arrangement. The control arrangement may use this temperature value to effect the production of steam by means of an increase or decrease in the water temperature and / or by increasing or decreasing the factor X, which has been described at the outset as a preferred procedure. Furthermore, a sensor is preferably provided, for example the sensor 33 ", which determines the mass flow of water in the circuit and which preferably transmits the flow value of the water to the control arrangement, which leads to a controlled adjustment of the factor X. As a preferred embodiment, the sensor is a combined temperature and flow sensor.

The heating of the water is carried out with a heater that can heat the water in any known manner. An example is an electric water heater 32, which is preferably arranged in the tank 6 but could also be present elsewhere in the water supply arrangement. This heating device can be operated electrically or in another known manner. As a further means, the heating device may comprise a fluid-fluid heat exchanger and in particular a water-water heat exchanger 31, instead of or in addition to the water heater 32. With the heat exchanger 31 is preferably the water cycle in a floor heating of the building and particularly preferably the water cycle of the underfloor heating of the room 2 withdrawn heat to heat the water in the water supply assembly of the humidifier 10.

Since water is withdrawn from the water supply arrangement during moistening by means of the membrane 1, a means is preferably provided for supplying water to the water supply arrangement continuously or discontinuously from a water source external to the device 10. This is shown in the schematic view of FIG. 1 with the schematically shown water connection 9 and the valve 9 'and the line 9'', with which water can be added from an external water source via the collector 30 to the water flowing through the outlet 4 ¹ and the line 4 '' emerges from the container 2. This is only roughly illustrated, but it is known to the person skilled in the art how he can combine the two water lines 4 '' and 9 '' to the line 5. The valve 9 ^f is actuated by the control arrangement 35 of the air humidifier, which will be explained. For this purpose, the valve 9 'is an electrically controllable valve, which is connected via an electrical control line, not shown, with the control arrangement 35.

The water tank preferably has an element which determines the fill level of the tank and which is preferably connected to the controller. Preferably, this is a schematically illustrated float whose position serves as level control and this float It may be connected to the control arrangement, so that the control arrangement can derive an indication of the amount of water in the water supply arrangement via the Schwinauerstand. The tank 6 is provided with a drain, in particular for so-called drainage. A refining of the water in the tank or, in extreme cases, sludge formation on the bottom of the tank can take place, in particular, when tap water is used in the water cycle, and such substance concentrations can be removed via an obvious process, whereupon the process is closed again. The process can also be activated via a controllable valve if maintenance or cleaning work necessitates emptying the tank and possibly the entire water supply arrangement.

The control arrangement can be implemented by means of a computer or an industrial control in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. The controller receives, for example via a signal line 36 and a sensor 37 information that provides information about the amount of water vapor mass flow at the outlet of the container 2, and thus information about the amount of water vapor per time, which is supplied to the space 22. It can compare this with the information about the setpoint humidity in the room and thus set the requirement for the amount of water vapor per time. Also, the sole indication of the setpoint humidity can be sufficient, since it is generally known, given the size of the room, how much water vapor is required per unit of time. The setpoint humidity can be set at the control arrangement or via a separate adjusting element connected thereto. It can also be provided that the actual moisture in the room is detected by at least one humidity sensor and transmitted to the control arrangement. These agents are not shown here, but are known in the art and need not be further explained here. The control arrangement provides with this information for the supply of sufficient moisture in the room. The air flow into the room can be Control arrangement or usually a separate control arrangement of the so-called. Ventilation device in particular via the control of the fan 24 and 24 'control. This will not be explained further here.

The control arrangement according to the invention, the water mass flow through the container 2 per time so that the mass flow of water (which is also determined, for example, in kg / h) at least by a factor of 5 is greater than the water vapor mass flow. For this purpose, the control arrangement can use the information from the aforementioned flow meter and control the pump 7 accordingly.

Preferably the factor is greater than 10 and especially the factor is greater than 20 and especially the factor is greater than 50. In particular, the factor is set in the range of 20 to 250.

With the factor according to the invention it can be ensured that even with little warm water, for example with a temperature of only 25 degrees Celsius and particularly preferably in the range of 20 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius and in particular in the range of 25 degrees Celsius to 45 Celsius degrees safe operation of the humidification device is possible. The control assembly 35 is connected for this purpose by means of a control line 38 to the water supply assembly and can thus, as mentioned, in particular the pump 7 control, which promotes the amount of water per time, which is required to comply with the factor. The control arrangement also controls the illustrated valves and receives information about the water level and the water temperature. It also controls the heating of the water. All these control signals and feedback signals from sensors (some of which are not shown) are summarized in FIG. 1 in the control line 38 for the sake of simplicity.

The container 2 can - differently than shown in the schematic figure 1, vertically or arranged so that the water from bottom to top or opposite Gravity flows through the tank, facilitating control over the flow of water.

A preferred membrane element 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. At least one such membrane element and generally several such membrane elements 60 together form the membrane 1 in the container 2. The membrane element according to this preferred embodiment has a frame 65 which is rectangular in the example shown and the frame webs 61, 62, 63 and 64 - points. The webs have a web width B (which need not be the same for all webs), a web thickness D and a length, wherein in the case of a rectangular frame 65 respectively opposite webs 61 and 63 or 62 and 64 have the same length. In this membrane element 60, two membrane surfaces M are provided, which face each other by the web thickness D spaced. In FIGS. 2 and 3, only the membrane surface M of the membrane material shown in the figure is shown, and the front membrane surface is not shown, so that the frame and the interior of the membrane element can be seen. Both membrane surfaces M together with the frame define the interior of the membrane element 60 in which the water flows. In one embodiment, only one side of the frame can be provided with a membrane surface, and on the other side of the frame, a lid not made of membrane material is provided.

As the membrane material, the aforementioned materials are also preferable in this embodiment. The attachment of the respective membrane surface M takes place in this example on the outer sides of the frame webs, which outer sides have the width B or different widths B. On these outer sides, the respective membrane surface is mounted resting on the respective outer side. The material of the webs of the frame 65 is preferably a plastic material which allows the membrane surfaces M to be watertight and cohesive along the frame webs To attach by plastic welding to the frame or attach by laminating the membrane material on the frame bars on the frame. Instead of or in addition to a weld, an adhesive bond could also be provided, for example by means of a hot-melt adhesive.

On the side walls of the frame has at least a first opening 70 as a water inlet and at least a second opening 71 as a water outlet. The opening 70 communicates with the conduit 8 and the inlet 4 of Figure 1, respectively, and the opening 71 communicates with the outlet 4 'of Figure 1, for a membrane formed of a plurality of membrane elements for all the respective openings 70 and 71 the frame 65 applies, which are connected via distributors to the common line.

In its interior, the frame preferably has at least one web 67. Preferably, the frame has a plurality of webs 67, eight webs 67 are provided in the example shown. The web connects, or connect these webs, inner side walls of the frame, in the example shown, the inner side walls 62 '' and 64 '', since the webs 67 connect the frame webs 62 and 64 in this example. The webs 67 each have over a first portion 68 substantially the same thickness D, as the frame webs 61 to 64, so that the membrane surface M of the respective membrane element rests on both the frame webs and on the webs 67 and also on the webs 67 on whose first sections 68 can be fastened. This is usually done in the same way as the attachment to the frame webs, ie by welding or by lamination or by gluing or by a combination of these attachment options. Also at the webs 67, the membrane is attached watertight, so that the water does not flow at these points or in the region of the sections 68 between the membrane and web. On the other hand, the webs 67 each have a second section 69 of their length, in which the webs ne smaller thickness Dl than the frame webs have. At these portions 69, which are set back relative to the outer sides of the frame webs and opposite the portions 68 in the direction of the frame interior, the membrane material M is not attached. The recessed portions, on the contrary, form passages for the water through which the water can pass on its way from the water inlet 70 to the water outlet 71, in comparison with the portions 68 which block the flow. Thus, a path for the water within the membrane element 60 can be predetermined by the arrangement of the webs 67, wherein the water flows past on the inside of the frame or in the interior 66 on the inner sides of the membrane surfaces M.

Preferably, the webs 67 are arranged in the frame so that they are arranged with their thicker sections alternately starting from opposite side walls 62 '', 64 '' of the frame, for the water a meandering path or for the water and the air flow a cross Form counter-current arrangement, as indicated in Figure 2 with the arrows F for the water directions, while the arrow L indicates the direction of the air flowing through the container 1, the air flows past the outer membrane surfaces of the membrane elements or outside of the frame ,

It may be provided and is shown in the example as being provided at second portions 69 lesser thickness Dl of the webs within the water passages formed by these formations 56 on the webs, which provide a surface for attachment of the membrane material also within or above the water passages , The surfaces of these formations 56 are preferably arranged again so that there again the frame thickness D results, so that the membrane surfaces M can also be attached to these surfaces 56. Despite these formations, the water can flow through the passages at the second portions 69 of the webs. The Formations 56 but provide a further stabilization of the membrane surface, so that it can withstand the pressure and the flow of water in the membrane element. In the case of membrane surfaces present on both sides of the frame, a molding 56 is preferably provided on both sides of a respective second section 69. Even with it. Vortex and dead zones are prevented or reduced.

In order to stabilize the webs 67 and thus to reduce the load on the membrane surfaces M fastened to the sections 68 and possibly surfaces 56 of the webs, it is preferred that the webs 67 extend substantially transverse to the webs or possibly obliquely to the webs Support webs 59 are connected to each other or with a side wall 61 * ', 63 * ¹ , wherein the support webs 59 have the smaller thickness Dl or preferably an even smaller thickness in order to hinder the flow of water only slightly.

In order to influence the water flow, it can further be provided that at least one of the webs 67, the end 58 of the first portion 68 is rounded, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 at all webs. In addition or as a sole measure, provision may be made for at least one of the webs 67 to have the end 58 of the first section 68 bent away from the first opening 71, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for all the webs. In order to influence the flow in the frame, further molding may be provided on the inner side wall adjacent to the opening forming the water inlet, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.

Furthermore, channels 55 may be provided in the webs 67 in the region of their connection to the side walls (not all of which are designated by 55 in the figure) whose cross-section through which flow is much smaller than the cross-section provided by the respective water passages the water. These channels facilitate the drainage of the Membraneeroeroente or the membrane when the hydraulic system of the humidifying device or when it is out of service and thus allows it to avoid unwanted residual water under the hygienic aspect.

In order that the plurality of membrane elements can be connected in a defined manner in a simple manner, positioning means 73 arranged on the frame are furthermore preferred, which also facilitates the formation of a membrane in which uniform air passages are formed between the membrane elements.

In another embodiment of a membrane with membrane elements shown only in a very simplified manner, FIG. 4 shows roughly horizontally a horizontal section through a vertically arranged container 2, the container wall of which is indicated only by broken lines. In the container membrane elements 41 are arranged, in which the water flows. Together, the membrane elements 41 form the entire membrane 1. In this example, membrane elements 41 are arranged at the bottom of the container, in which the water introduced into the container (via the inlet 4 of FIG. 1) flows upwards in the container and at the top in FIG Container illustrated membrane elements 41, in which the water flows back down to the outlet of the container (outlet 4 'in Figure 1). Through the spaces 45 between the membrane elements, the air is guided, which is indicated by the arrow L, which receives the emerging from the membrane elements 41 water vapor.

Figure 5 shows a schematic horizontal section through a container 2, the container wall is indicated only by broken lines, in which container the membrane of a plurality of arranged in rows cylindrical membrane elements 40 are formed, which together form the membrane (only two rows are shown , the other rows are indicated only by dash-dotted lines). In the cylindrical membrane elements 40, the water flows and the air is according to Arrow L passed through the spaces 45 to humidify the air.

Figure 6 shows schematically a frame 42 in which a flat membrane part M is clamped from the aforementioned membrane material. Such element 41 'forms with a second such element or with a closed back wall a membrane element in which a space defined by the membrane element for the water is formed. In this space is usually also a - not shown here - support structure for the membrane surface on which the water-side membrane surface is attached to a part of its surface, in particular welded or laminated. The support structure is designed so that it allows the flow of water or inhibits as little as possible. Instead of the clamping shown in the frame, the membrane can also be fastened on the outside of the frame webs, in particular by welding or lamination or gluing.

According to one aspect of the invention, a membrane element for an air humidification device, in particular for the above-described air humidification device, is formed such that the membrane material M of the membrane arrangement is a microporous material and is preferably a hydrophobic microporous material. In particular, a material having a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 micrometers, and in particular a material having a nominal pore diameter of 0.05 to 0.25 micrometers, and in particular having a pore diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 micrometers. The microporous material is formed from one, preferably hydrophobic, polymer, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polypropylene (PP) or polyurethane (Pü). The membrane material M is arranged flat and fastened with its edge 44 in a clamping frame 42, for example in a square or rectangular clamping frame 42, wherein the frame webs seen over its cross section at least are partially formed of an injection-moldable plastic and the membrane material is attached to the webs by being surrounded with its edge regions of the plastic. Figure 7, which shows a section through the frame and the membrane material along the line A - A of Figure 6, shows that the edge of the sheet 40 of the membrane material is embedded in the rim. The production of such a membrane arrangement preferably takes place in such a way that the frame webs are injection-molded at least partially over their cross section from a plastic, the membrane being fastened in the webs by being cast with their edge regions 44 directly into the frame webs during the injection molding process. In the frame webs, a reinforcement 43 may be provided from a different material than the plastic web material. As mentioned, however, a membrane may also be fastened on the bridge outside in place of the attachment around the bridge, in particular a welding or sticking to the bridge.

It may also be provided that the

Membrane surface is reinforced by an outer support structure made of a material different from the membrane material, or that the membrane surface is reinforced by an outer support structure of the same material as the membrane surface. In this case, the membrane surface can be laminated onto the support structure, or the membrane surface can rest loosely on such a support structure. In the figure, the support structure is not shown. It can also be bar-shaped and form, for example, a grid. Such a support structure may also serve to induce a turbulent flow of air over the membrane. This should be distinguished from the already mentioned inner support structure on the water flow side.

While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and in any other way within the scope of the following claims can be executed.

Claims

claims

1. A method for operating an air humidification device, which humidifying device (10) comprises a water-impermeable _/ water vapor permeable, preferably hydrophobic, membrane (1), which membrane in a container (2) of the humidification device is arranged such that the membrane on its one side is acted upon by passing water of a water guide assembly of the humidification device and the membrane on its other side with a container leading through the air channel of the LuftbefeuchtungsVorrichtung in contact, such that the other side of the membrane is acted upon by the air in the air duct, wherein the at the Membrane bypassing mass flow of water in kg / h is selected by a factor X greater than the emerging in the air duct from the membrane water vapor mass flow in kg / h, wherein the factor X is greater than 5.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the factor X is greater than 10, in particular, that the factor is greater than 20, and in particular that the factor is greater than 50 and further that the factor in particular in the range of greater than 20 to 250 is chosen.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the water temperature of the water flowing into the container in the range of 20 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius is set, in particular, that the water temperature is set in the range of 25 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius becomes.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the emerging in the air passage from the membrane water vapor mass flow is controlled by influencing the factor X.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the emerging in the air duct from the membrane steam flow is controlled by influencing the temperature of the mass flow of water, preferably the temperature of the mass flow of water between a water pump of the water supply assembly and the water inlet in the container is measured.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the mass flow of water in the water supply arrangement is measured by a water flow sensor, and that the measured value of the water flow sensor is used for the control of the mass flow of water.

7. The method according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the control of the in the

Air channel emerging from the membrane water vapor mass flow both by influencing the water temperature and by influencing the factor X is carried out and in particular further that the degree of influence in one way or another, depending on the ter teroperatur ter of the water flowing to the membrane.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

7, characterized in that the water content of the water guide assembly is continuously or discontinuously borrowed replenished to replace the amount of water evaporating through the membrane.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

8, characterized in that components concentrated in the water are removed by leaching.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

9, characterized in that the water guide assembly comprises a water cycle.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the water cycle comprises a water tank, in particular a water tank with a level detection and in particular a water tank with an optional disclosure and closable drain for Blowing off residues left on the bottom of the tank.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

11, characterized in that the concentration of substances dissolved in the water is measured with a sensor, in particular with a conductivity sensor is measured.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

12, characterized in that the hate guide arrangement comprises at least one heating device, through which the water is heated.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the heating device comprises a fluid-fluid heat exchanger, in particular comprises a water-water heat exchanger and / or that the heating device comprises an electric water heater.

15. The method according to claims 11 and 13, characterized in that the heating device, which is in particular an electric water heater, at least partially disposed in the water tank.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

15, characterized in that the membrane is a, preferably hydrophobic, microporous membrane, which membrane has a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 micrometers, in particular in the range of 0.05 to 0.25 micrometers and in particular in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 micrometers.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

16, characterized in that the air humidifying means comprises means for blowing air into the water flow before or at the inlet of the water into the container and that in operation continuously or discontinuously air is supplied to the water side.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

17, characterized in that the Luftbefeuchtungsvor- device has means for generating a turbulent flow on the air side, in particular that the means are formed by a support structure for the membrane.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

18, characterized in that the container is arranged with the membrane such that the water flows from bottom to top against the force of gravity on the membrane.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to

19, wherein the membrane of several membrane elements (60) is formed, characterized in that the membrane element comprises a frame webs (61-64) formed frame (65) having a front and a back and side walls, on which frame membrane material at least on one side flat is arranged, and on which frame membrane material preferably on both sides, front and back, is arranged flat, and wherein the membrane material is attached to the respective frame surfaces of the front and back of the frame waterproof so that within the frame a waterproof but water vapor permeable, from the frame and a space bounded by a membrane surface and a non-membrane surface is formed, wherein the frame, in particular on two different side walls of the frame, at least one first opening (71) as water inlet and at least one second opening g (72) has as a water outlet, and wherein the frame in its interior at least one web (67) which connects side walls of the frame, which web over a first portion (68) has substantially the same thickness (D) as the frame webs and has a smaller thickness (D1) than the frame webs over a second portion (69) of its length, which portion (69) of lesser thickness forms a water passage within the frame, and wherein the membrane surfaces are watertightly secured to the first portion of the at least one web are or if necessary, a non-membrane surface is connected watertight with the web.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein a plurality of webs (67) are used, the first portions (68) alternately from opposite side walls (62 ¹ *,

64 '') of the frame are arranged starting in order to form a cross-current arrangement for the water in the context of a meandering path to and thus for the water and air flow.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein the web or the webs (67) extending substantially transversely to the web or the webs or possibly obliquely to the web or the webs extending support webs (59) with each other or with a side wall (61 '*, 63 ") are connected, wherein the support webs (59) have the smaller thickness (Dl) or preferably an even smaller thickness.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to

22, wherein at least one of the webs (67), the end (58) of the first portion (68) is rounded.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein at least one of the webs (67) the end

(58) of the first portion (68) of the at least one first opening (71) is bent away pointing away.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to

24, wherein on the inner side wall adjacent to the opening forming the water inlet, a formation is provided.

26. The method according to any one of claims 20 to

25, wherein at lower portions (69) of smaller thickness (Dl) within the water passages formed by these formations (56) are provided which provide a surface for fixing the membrane material above the water passages, in particular that on both sides of a respective second portion of a formation ( 56) is provided.

27. The method according to any one of claims 20 to

26, wherein in the webs (67) in the region of their connection with the side walls channels (55) are provided, the permeable cross section is many times smaller than the provided by the respective water passages cross section for the water.

28. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein by means arranged on the frame positioning means (73) a plurality of membrane elements are connected to a membrane, wherein between the membrane elements, the air passages are formed.

29. Air humidifying device (10) comprising a water-impermeable, water vapor permeable, preferably hydrophobic, membrane (1), which membrane is arranged in a container (2) of the humidification device such that the membrane on its one side of passing water of a water supply assembly of the humidification device can be acted upon, wherein the water supply assembly comprises at least one controllable water pump (7), and wherein the membrane on its other side with an air passage in the container in contact, such that the other side of the membrane is acted upon by the air in the air duct, wherein the air humidification device preferably comprises at least one sensor, which is in particular a sensor at the flow-side outlet of the air duct, which sensor is designed to measure the amount of water vapor in the air flow, and wherein the air humidification device has a control arrangement (35), w which is configured in particular for evaluating the sensor sensor signal for determining the water vapor mass flow leaving the container, which control arrangement (35) is designed to control the water pump such that the water mass flow past the membrane increases by a factor X in kg / h is adjustable as the water vapor mass flow in the air channel leaving the membrane in kg / h, wherein the factor X is greater than 5.

30. Air humidifying device according to claim 29, characterized in that the control arrangement (35) is configured to set the factor X in the range of greater than 10, in particular configured to set the factor greater than 20, in particular configured to set the factor greater than 50, and is designed in particular, the factor in the range of 20 to 250 to adjust.

31. The humidifying device according to claim 29, wherein the humidifying device has a heater controllable by the control arrangement for the water flowing past the membrane, and in that the control arrangement adjusts a water temperature of the water flowing into the tank in the range of 20 Celsius degrees to 60 degrees Celsius is designed, in particular for adjusting the water temperature in the range of 25 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius is configured.

32. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the humidifying device has at least one Signalmaßig connected to the control arrangement water temperature sensor, in particular a water temperature sensor (33 ') in the water flow between the water pump (7) and the water inlet (4). of the container (2), and in particular that the Luftbefeuchtungsvor- direction has a signal moderately connected to the control arrangement Wasserdurchflussmesser {33 ''), which in particular in the water flow between the water pump (7) and the water inlet (4) of the container (2 ), and in particular, that the water temperature sensor and the water flow meter are combined with each other.

33. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the control arrangement is designed such that by the control arrangement of the emerging in the air duct from the membrane water vapor mass flow is controlled by influencing the factor X.

34. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that the control arrangement is designed such that by the control arrangement in the air channel emerging from the membrane water vapor mass flow can be controlled by influencing the temperature of the water mass flow.

35. Air humidifying device according to claims 33 and 34, characterized in that the control arrangement for controlling the water vapor mass flow emerging from the membrane in the air duct is designed both by influencing the water temperature and by influencing the factor X, and further in that the control arrangement is designed for this purpose is to carry out the degree of influence in one way or another, depending on the water temperature of the water flowing to the membrane.

36. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that it is designed for continuous or discontinuous supplementation of the water content of the water supply arrangement, in particular that the control arrangement is designed to use a signal of a sensor, the amount of water evaporating through the membrane to replace, wherein the sensor is designed in particular to determine the presence of dissolved substances in the water and wherein the sensor is designed in particular for determining the electrical conductivity of the water.

37. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 36, characterized in that the water guide assembly comprises a water cycle.

38. Air humidification device according to claim 37, characterized in that the water cycle comprises a water tank (6), in particular that the air humidification device comprises a water tank with a level detection.

39. Air humidifying device according to claim 38, characterized in that the water tank is connected to an open and closable drain or comprises such.

40. humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 39, characterized in that the heating device comprises a fluid-fluid heat exchanger, in particular, that the heating device comprises a water-water heat exchanger, and / or that the heating device comprises an electric water heater.

41. Air humidifying device according to claim 40, characterized in that the heating device, in particular the electric water heater, is arranged at least partially in the water tank.

42. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 41, characterized in that the membrane is a microporous membrane with a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 micrometers, in particular a microporous membrane with a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.25 micrometers, and in particular a microporous membrane having a nominal pore diameter with a nominal pore diameter of 0.1 microns to 0.2 microns, wherein the membrane is preferably a hydrophobic membrane, and in particular characterized in that the membrane (1) consists of several membrane elements (60) according to one of Claims 46 to 60 is formed.

43. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 42, characterized in that the humidifying device comprises means for blowing air into the water flow before or at the inlet of the water into the container and in particular that the control arrangement designed to control the means for blowing in air is, and in particular for optionally continuous or discontinuous injection of air on the water side is designed.

44. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 43, characterized in that the air humidifying means comprises means for generating a turbulent flow on the air side, in particular that the means for generating a turbulent flow on the air side of a structure for reinforcing the membrane is formed ,

45. Air humidifying device according to one of claims 29 to 44, characterized in that the container is arranged with the membrane such that the water flows past the bottom against the gravity against the membrane.

46. Membrane element (60) for an air humidification device, in particular for an air humidification device according to one of claims 29 to 45, wherein the membrane material of the membrane element is a microporous material, which is preferably hydrophobic, characterized in that the membrane element comprises a frame webs (61 to 64 formed frame (65) having a front and a back and side walls, on which frame the membrane material is arranged on at least one side surface, and on which frame the membrane material is preferably on both sides, front and back, flat, and wherein the membrane material to the respective frame surfaces of the front and back of the frame is attached watertight, so that within the frame a waterproof but permeable to water vapor, bounded by the frame and the membrane surfaces space is formed, or possibly one of a membrane surface and a non-membrane surface The frame has at least one first opening (71) as water inlet and at least one second opening (72) as water outlet, and wherein the frame has at least one web (67) in its interior Sidewalls of the frame connects which web has a first section (68) of substantially the same thickness (D). such as the frame webs and having a lesser thickness (D1) than the frame webs over a second portion (69) of its length, which portion (69) of lesser thickness forms a water passage within the frame and wherein the membrane surfaces at the first portion of the Bridge are watertight fastened or possibly a non-membrane surface is connected watertight with the web.

47. The membrane element of claim 46, wherein a plurality of webs (67) are provided, the first portions (68) are arranged alternately starting from opposite side walls (62 '' and 64 '') of the frame.

48. Membrane element according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the web or the webs (67) are connected to one another or to a side wall (61 * *; 63) by means of support webs (59) extending essentially transversely to the webs or optionally obliquely to the webs '') are connected, wherein the support webs (59) have the smaller thickness (Dl) or even smaller thickness.

49. Membrane element according to one of the claims

46 to 48, wherein at the web or at least one of the webs (67), the end (58) of the first portion (68) is rounded.

50. Membrane element according to one of claims 46 to 50, wherein at the web or at least one of

Webs (67) the end (58) of the first portion (68) of the first opening (71) is bent away pointing away.

51. A membrane element according to any one of claims 46 to 50, wherein on the inner side wall adjacent to the opening forming the water inlet, a formation is provided.

52. A membrane element according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the membrane element comprises, at second portions (69) of lesser thickness (D1) within the water passages formed by these portions of lesser thickness, formations (56) defining an area for loading. Provide fastening of the membrane material within the water passages, in particular, that in each case on both sides of a respective second portion, a formation (56) is provided.

53. Membrane element according to one of the claims

46 to 52, wherein in the webs (67) in the region of their connection to the side walls channels (55) are provided, whose flow-through cross-section is many times smaller than the provided by the respective water passages cross section for the water flow.

54. Membrane element according to one of claims 46 to 53, wherein the membrane element arranged on the frame positioning means (73) to connect a plurality of membrane elements to a membrane, in which membrane between the membrane elements air passages are formed.

A membrane element according to any one of claims 46 to 54, wherein the membrane material (M) is a material having a nominal pore diameter in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 micrometers, more preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.25 micrometers, and in particular a membrane material having a nominal pore diameter 0.1 to 0.2 microns, wherein the membrane material is a polymer, and wherein the membrane material is preferably a hydrophobic polymer, and wherein the membrane material in particular of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polypropylene (PP) or polyurethane (Pü) is formed.

56. Membrane element according to one of claims 46 to 55, wherein the membrane surfaces by an outer

Support structure are reinforced from a different material to the membrane material, or that the membrane surfaces are reinforced by a support structure made of the same material as the membrane material.

57. Membrane element for an air humidification device, in particular for an air humidification device according to one of claims 29 to 45, wherein the Membrane material (M) of the membrane element is a preferably hydrophobic, microporous material, in particular a material having a nominal pore diameter in the range 0.05 to 0.5 micrometers, in particular a material having a nominal pore diameter of 0.05 to 0.25 micrometers, and in particular a material with a nominal Pore diameter of 0.1 to 0.2 microns, and wherein the material in particular of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polypropylene (PP) or polyurethane (PU) is formed, wherein the membrane material is arranged flat and with its edge (44 ) is mounted in a clamping frame (42), wherein the frame webs are seen over their cross section at least partially formed from an injection-moldable plastic, and wherein the membrane material is attached to the webs by being surrounded by its edge regions of the plastic, or that Membrane material with its edge on the outside it is attached to this clamping frame by welding or lamination or gluing.

58. Membrane element according to claim 57, characterized in that the membrane surface is reinforced by an outer support structure made of a material different from the membrane material, or that the membrane surface is reinforced by a support structure of the same material as the membrane material.

59. Membrane element according to claim 58, characterized in that the membrane is laminated onto the outer support structure, or that the membrane rests loosely on an outer support structure.

60. A membrane element according to any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein the membrane element has an inner support structure, on which the membrane surface or the membrane surfaces with a part of their water-side surface are laminated or welded or glued.

61. Membrane, formed from a plurality of membrane elements according to one of claims 46 to 60.

62. A method for producing a membrane element according to any one of claims 57 to 61, wherein the frame webs, as seen over its cross-section, at least partially injection molded from a plastic, wherein the membrane surface is fixed to the webs by directly with their edge regions Injection molding process is poured into the frame webs.