Our Technologies
Ultrasonic Humidification
Humidified chambers typically have a pan of water that is heated with electricity or an element sprayed with water creating steam. This leads to heat being introduced into the chamber as well as imprecise addition of humidity. Mineral scale build-up is also quick.
Our systems add humidity through an ultrasonic vapor generator. We can turn it off and on in mere seconds. It doesn't generate any heat. It doesn't overshoot or continue to add humidity past the set point. It doesn't collect mineral scale. However, they do require replacement of a $12 titanium ceramic disc every 10,000 hours of use - which most users do themselves. We also suggest the hook-up of deionized/distilled water or use of reverse osmosis units (we sell these). Otherwise, mineral scale build-up will occur in the chamber.
In summary ultrasonic humidification:- Saves 93% on operating costs at 25 degrees Celsius
- Has less heat output- room air conditioning loads are reduced
- Is more reliable
- Diminishes localized hot and cold areas within the chamber
- Runs at almost no noise level
- Reduces maintenance and costs
Thermoelectrics
Current chamber technology is complex. Almost all manufacturers run a refrigeration system full time. In temperature control applications, heat is then added to this system to obtain the desired temperature.
In humidity control situations, the refrigeration is used to lower humidity by allowing condensation on the cooling components in the chambers. There is often a "hot gas bypass" system or and "latent coil system". Occasionally, there are defrost cycles so that ice doesn't form on the cooling components. All this adds up to high operating costs, a lot of moving parts, and an automatic call to THEIR service department (not an ordinary refrigeration technician) when problems do arise. When you add the room you've especially made to deal with all the heat that these refrigeration units put out, it adds up to a lot of money and time. To complicate things, efficiency gains using this technology are gained by, among other things, using thinner gauges of tubing - resulting in refrigeration leaks appearing quicker than in previous decades.
Thermoelectric technology, the technology we like to employ in certain situations that do not require more than 100 watts of heat removal, has progressed in recent years. Essentially, a small wafer can take heat from one side of the component and move it to another side. When the polarity is reversed, it does the reverse. When cooling fins and fans are added to the system, it becomes one of the best ways to maintain temperatures. The units can be pulsed in seconds, thereby allowing some of the most precise control. One of the benefits is that we can run cooling units at a minimal temperature difference. In situations where condensation on the unit is desired, freeze ups are eliminated.
We typically run two of the thermoelectric units on the single door models and more on the larger units. If heat removal requirements aren't great, they act as a redundant cooling feature. We suggest yearly maintenance to verify both units are operating.
These units are backed by our longest warranty and require no license to remove/repair due to the lack of refrigeration.
Another benefit is the reduction in noise volume. The units employ fans similar to what one can find in their personal computers. That isn't a lot of noise.
Most of the justification for these units is long term costs. Using our PH030 as an example:
| Model | Darwin Chambers PH030 | Competitor 34 cubic foot chamber |
| Condition | 25 degrees C/ 60% humidity | 25 degrees C/ 60% humidity |
| Running Load Amperes (RLA) | 4.5 | 8.5 |
| Voltage | 120 | 230 |
| Averge price kwh national | $0.12/kwh | $0.12/kwh |
| Average Cost/Day | $1.56 | $5.63/day |
| Additional Cost/Year | $1,487 |
|
| Yearly BTU Created | 16140794 | 58435654 |
| Air Conditioning Costs /Year | $210 | $760 |
| Total Additional Costs/Year | $2037 |
These numbers go up or down depending on your region, rates, rate tier, and conditions required.
In summary thermoelectrics:
- Save >50% on operating costs
- Remove the need for a refrigeration technician repair
- Less heat output = lower air conditioning loads, less retrofit, less amperage needed
- Are more reliable - no moving parts
- Remove localized hot and cold areas
- Run at 30% percent of the noise volume (just a little noisier than a residential refrigerator)
- Have an element average life of 23 years