Immersion electrode humidifiers operate on a very simple physical principle. Since ordinary drinking water contains a certain amount of dissolved mineral salts and is therefore weakly conductive, applying a voltage to metal electrodes immersed in the water creates an electric current that heats the water (Joule effect) to a boil, thus producing steam.

The amount of steam produced is proportional to the electric current, which in turn is proportional to the water level.

This electrical current is measured by a current transformer: by changing the water level using a fill solenoid valve and through the evaporation process, it is possible to modulate the current and therefore the production of steam. Due to evaporation, the water level decreases, so it must be topped up. Since the resulting steam does not contain mineral salts, the concentration of salts in the water and therefore the conductivity increases and it must be diluted periodically by draining some of the water using a drain pump and replacing it with new water.

In addition, over time, scale forms and coats the part of the cylinder that needs to be replaced or cleaned. The principle is simple, but designing an immersed electrode humidifier that provides safe operation and reliability over time requires careful analysis and extensive testing.

Compared to electric heater humidifiers or gas humidifiers, immersion electrode humidifiers:

• cheaper to buy;
• work with drinking water (not completely desalted or softened);
• require periodic replacement (or cleaning) of the cylinder;
• The modulation function is suitable for comfort or industrial applications without extreme requirements.