Patent ID: 6078729
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: F22B,F24F,G01F

Abstract:
A control system for a humidifier adapted to be controllably filled and stocked with water, said humidifier providing humidified air for a heat, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) system in a building, said control system adapted to generate control signals to fill and heat said water, said humidifier having an electrically conductive casing, the control system comprising:a capacitor disposed in said humidifier which electrically senses water level in said humidifier, said capacitor including a first electrode extending into said water and an electrically conductive second electrode, said second electrode electrically coupled to said conductive humidifier casing which acts as a capacitive electrode and said water retained by said humidifier is a medium through which capacitance is measured via said capacitor;a control circuit electrically coupled to said capacitor, said control circuit generating said control signals based upon predetermined capacitive levels of said capacitor.