System and apparatus for humidifier on high-efficiency forced air Furnace and kit therefore

Abstract

The present invention provides a system configured for simplified humidification in a forced-air high-efficiency furnace system, the instant system including an evaporative humidifier wick sitting in an elongated trough, both adjacent to an opening in the return air duct of a forced-air furnace. Also included is a diversion valve and tubing branch off an existing condensate drain line configured to deliver combustion condensate to a distributor tube spreading the condensate flow over the upper outer surface of the humidifier pad. A slipstream of warm air from the heated side of the furnace is conveyed through a duct to the face of the wicking evaporator pad.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for humidification of air circulating through a high-efficiency forced-air furnace comprising:
 a) an evaporative humidifier wick having a first predetermined height and a first predetermined width;   b) an elongated liquid distributor with an integral felt-like absorbent element;   c) a liquid-retaining trough with a second predetermined height and a second predetermined width;   d) an elongated air duct configured for delivering warm air to a face of said evaporative humidifier wick; and   e) a tubing portion configured to enable gravity flow of condensed water from a high-efficiency furnace.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first predetermined width is at least 1.3 times said first predetermined height. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first predetermined height is less than 33 centimeters. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second predetermined height is less than 10 percent of said first predetermined height. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second predetermined width is greater than said first predetermined width. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said tubing portion includes a shut off valve. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongated air duct is flexible and insulated. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongated air duct further includes a duct-end shroud. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for humidification of air circulating through a high-efficiency forced-air furnace comprising:
 a) an evaporative humidifier wick having a first predetermined width;   b) an elongated liquid distributor with an integral felt-like absorbent element;   c) a liquid-retaining trough with a second predetermined width;   d) an electric pump with an interior chamber and a float switch; e) an air duct configured for delivering warm air to a face of said evaporative humidifier wick; and, f) a tubing portion configured to enable gravity flow of condensed water vapor from a high-efficiency furnace to said electric pump.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said second predetermined width is greater than said first predetermined width. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said elongated liquid distributor is configured to also temporarily hold a liquid volume of at least 500 ml. 
     
     
         12 . A kit for assembling an apparatus for creating a system to humidify air circulating through a high-efficiency furnace using condensate therefrom, said kit comprising:
 a) an evaporative humidifier wick having a first predetermined height and a first predetermined width;   b) an elongated liquid distributor with an integral felt-like absorbent element;   c) a liquid-retaining trough with a second predetermined height and a second predetermined width;   d) an elongated air duct configured for delivering warm air to a face of said evaporative humidifier wick; and   e) a tubing portion with a valve.   
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 11  wherein said kit further includes a duct-end shroud configured to attach to an end of said elongated air duct.