Humidification, a True “Home” Problem For a Chemical Engineer

Abstract

The problem of maintaining hygrothermal comfort in a house is addressed using the chemical engineer’s toolbox. A simple dynamic modelling proved to give a good description of the humidification of the house in winter, using a domestic humidifier. Parameters of the model were identified from a simple experiment. Surprising results, especially concerning the duration, the water quantities involved and the energetic cost of the process, are pointed out together with their physical explanation.