WO2011070575A1

WO2011070575A1 - Fogger

Info

Publication number: WO2011070575A1
Application number: PCT/IL2010/001036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoram Levi; Hassan Khatib; Vitaly Gandin; Uri Alkalay
Original assignee: NaanDan Irrigation Systems CS Ltd
Current assignee: NaanDanJain Irrigation Ltd
Priority date: 2009-12-08
Filing date: 2010-12-08
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2012-06-08

Abstract

In accordance with the subject matter of the present application there is provided a humidif ication system comprising: a drive shaft (38) having an axis and being rotatable thereabout; a dispersion member (50) formed with a dispersion surface (56) delimited by a peripheral rim (60); The dispersion member is coupled to the drive shaft at a coupling point so that rotation of the drive shaft entails revolution of the dispersion member about the axis. The system further comprises a liquid supply arrangement provided (72) with one or more outlet nozzles (86) extending towards the dispersion surface. The arrangement is such that upon rotation of the drive shaft and of the dispersion member, liquid applied over the dispersion surface is dispersed under centrifugal forces radially outwards towards the peripheral rim, and scattered into fine mist.

Description

FOGGER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed subject matter relates to a liquid fogging system used for example for humidification and cooling of spaces, objects and any living organisms (animals, plants, algae, fungi, etc.).

The terms fogger, moisturizer, humidifier, vaporizers and the like, are all directed to such devices intended for generating a gentle spray of fluid droplets. All such devices are commonly referred to hereinafter as foggers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Foggers are commonly used for humidifying air for different purposes, such as irrigation in greenhouses and for chilling of any space e.g. in industrial processes or for chilling living organisms (animals, plants, algae, fungi, etc.).

A wide variety of foggers are available, depending on various parameters such as structure, mode of operation, purpose, etc.

One sort of electrically operated humidifier is disclosed in US 2006/163754 which is directed to a humidifier having a housing, a conventional electric motor, a fan blade assembly, a conical suction tube, and a cylindrical water droplet diffusing screen mounted concentrically about the suction tube. The housing defines a downward air channel commencing at an air inlet and which extends about the bottom edge of a barrier to an upward air channel terminating at an air outlet. The suction tube has a bottom opening through which water may enter the interior space of the suction tube and a series of water outlets. The housing has a lower housing portion which defines a water reservoir adapted to hold a supply of water having a maximum water line (MWL). In use, water is drawn through the suction tube and expelled into the downward air channel as droplets. These droplets travel downwardly along the downward air channel wherein the airstream is then diverted upwardly, thereby causing heavier droplets to be withdrawn from the airstream. As the airstream continues upwardly within the upward air channel the heavier remaining droplets are also withdrawn from the airstream. As a result, the airstream exiting the humidifier contains only the smallest water droplets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the subject matter of the present application there is provided a humidification system comprising:

a drive shaft having an axis and being rotatable about said axis;

a dispersion member formed with a dispersion surface delimited by a peripheral rim;

said dispersion member is coupled to said drive shaft at a coupling point so that rotation of the drive shaft entails revolution of the dispersion member about said axis;

a liquid supply arrangement provided with one or more outlet nozzles extending towards said dispersion surface;

wherein, upon rotation of the drive shaft and of the dispersion member, liquid applied over the dispersion surface is dispersed under centrifugal forces radially outwards towards said peripheral rim, and scattered into fine mist.

The dispersion member can have a radial dimension, referred to as the length between the coupling point of the dispersion member and a point located on the peripheral rim thereof. Thus, in operation, the liquid travels in a direction extending along the nominal dimension.

According to a particular example, the dispersion member can have a round shape (disc like), having a central axis. In this case, the dispersion member is symmetric about the central axis, i.e. the radial dimension is the same for every point on the peripheral rim, facilitating uniform dispersion of the liquid provided by the liquid supply arrangement. Specifically, the dispersion member can be coupled to the drive shaft so that the central axis of the former and the axis of the latter are coUinear.

According to a specific design, the dispersion surface of the dispersion member can have a planar shape, e.g. a flat disc. In this case, when the dispersion member is oriented such that the central axis thereof is of vertical orientation, the liquid progresses along the dispersion surface in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, i.e. in a generally horizontal direction. Alternatively, according to another design, the dispersion surface can be non- planar, e.g. conical. In this case, when the dispersion member is oriented such that the central axis thereof is of vertical orientation, the liquid progresses along the dispersion surface in a direction angled to the central axis.

According to the latter design, the dispersion surface can have an acute angle with respect to the central axis so that in the above orientation, the liquid travels both in a radial and in an upward direction. Alternatively, the dispersion surface can have an obtuse angle with respect to the central axis so that in the above orientation, the liquid travels both in a radial and in a downward direction.

The dispersion surface can be formed as a combination of the above mentioned examples. In other words, the dispersion surface can be constituted by a plurality of sub-surfaces, each having a different shape and orientation according to the above examples.

It should be noted that the dispersion surface of the dispersion member is not necessarily continuous. For example, the dispersion member can be in the form of a sectioned disc, constituted by several disc sectors, spaced apart from one another. In other words, the dispersion surface does not have to cover all 360°.

Furthermore, the various sectors can each have different properties (size, shape, angle etc.) and can even be individually controlled, allowing, for example, tilting of at least one of the sectors with respect to the central axis of the dispersion member and/or with respect to a radial axis extending along the sector.

The dispersion surface can also be designed to affect the manner of dispersion of the fluid. For example, the dispersion surface can be smooth, or alternatively, it can be provided with a pattern configured to bring the liquid to flow in a predetermined flow regime. According to a specific design, the pattern can be in the form of grooves, bulges and/or projections configured for directing fluid flow.

In operation, the liquid, propelled by the centrifugal forces due to the rotation of the dispersion member, is propelled towards the peripheral rim, and from there, is emitted to the outside environment, e.g. into the air.

The dispersion member can further comprise one or more winglets, disposed on a side opposite the dispersion surface, i.e. a bottom face of the dispersion member, configured for assisting in spreading the droplets away from dispersion member, upon being emitted from the dispersion member. The winglets can be formed at different angles to increase/decrease the dispersion range of the mist dispersed from the rotating dispersion member. According to one example, the winglets are integrated with the dispersion member. According to another example, the winglets are articulately coupled to the dispersion member or to an extension of the drive shaft.

The liquid supply arrangement can comprise one or more inlet ends configured for coupling to a liquid supply and at least one outlet end configured for emission of the liquid onto the dispersion surface of the dispersion member. The at least one outlet end can be fitted and/or formed with an outlet nozzle extending in close proximity to said dispersion member. According to a particular example, the outlet nozzle/s of the liquid supply arrangement extend substantially parallel to the axis of the drive shaft.

The at least one outlet nozzle can be oriented so as to face the dispersing surface, such that liquid emitted from the outlet impacts the dispersing surface. In particular, the design can be such that the outlet is disposed, along the radial dimension, at a middle third of the radial dimension of the dispersion surface, or adjacent an apex thereof.

It is understood that when several outlet nozzles are used, each can be disposed at a different location along a radial dimension of the dispersion member. For example, one outlet nozzle can be disposed along a proximal third of the radial dimension, close to the central axis, another can be disposed along a distal third of the radial dimension, close to the peripheral edge and yet another can be disposed along a middle third of the radial dimension as suggested above.

The liquid supply arrangement can be configured such that the flow rate range of liquid applied over the dispersion member depends on the size of the dispersion surface, and in particular, on the radial dimension along which the outlet nozzle is disposed.

The humidification system can further comprise a housing surrounding the drive shaft and the liquid lines. The housing can be configured for upright suspension using a hooking member, so that the drive shaft extends in a generally vertical orientation.

The housing can further accommodate a drive motor coupled to the drive shaft and configured for revolving the drive shaft about its axis.

The motor can be a high speed electric motor, and can be configured for revolving the drive shaft at a revolution speed corresponding to the radial dimension of the dispersion member. In particular, the revolution speed can be determined with respect to the radial dimension so that the tangential speed of a point located on the peripheral rim ranges is expressed by the following formula:

RPM X D =

Where RPM is the rotation speed of the drive shaft in Rounds Per Minute, D is the diameter of the dispersion member (equal to twice the radial dimension R) and V is the tangential speed of the above point. The values for RPM and D can be chosen such that V is maintained in the range of between about 25,000 to 75,000 mm/s.

Thus, for example, for a dispersion member of a diameter 60mm, the revolution speed could be about 16,000 RPM, and for a dispersion member of a diameter 120mm, the revolution speed would be about 8,000 RPM. In general, the motor can be configured to revolve the drive shaft at a range of about 4,000 - 20,000 RPM.

In addition, the flow rate can also be chosen according to the tangential speed of the peripheral rim of the dispersion member as expressed by the following formula:

Where /is the flow rate (in 1/hr), V is the tangential speed (in mm/s) and ratio between the two (in 1/hr to mm/s). The ratio n can be about 1.5* 10^"4, and the flow rate can range between about 3 to 15 1/h. Thus, for example, for a radial dimension of 60mm, the flow rate through the respective nozzle can be about 81/h.

The arrangement can be such that the housing is formed with an outer wall having an end rim, and the dispersion disc is coupled to the drive shaft such that there is formed a gap of distance d between the peripheral rim of the dispersion member and end rim of the housing. The gap is configured for allowing droplets of liquid traveling along the dispersion surface to be emitted from the peripheral rim of the dispersion member via the gap. In addition, the gap serves to prevent dirt and insects ingress into the space.

According to a particular example, the distance d of the gap can be dynamically regulated (e.g. it is possible for an operator to make is smaller/larger), whereby the distance d of the gap can be used to regulate the amount and rate of liquid dispersed by the dispersion member. Under a specific design, the housing can comprise a motor compartment fitted with a concealment wall extending between the motor and the dispersion disk, at least a central portion of said wall being distanced at a distance substantially greater than said distance d. Thus, the concealment wall gives rise to a substantially liquid tight space accommodating the electric motor.

The concealment wall can be substantially flat and can be formed with a skirt portion extending in close proximity over the peripheral rim of the dispersion member. The concealment wall can be planar or otherwise shaped (e.g. concave, convex tapering, etc.) and the skirt portion can be vertical (i.e. substantially parallel to the axis of the drive shaft) or tapering.

The arrangement can be such that the distance of the concealment wall from the dispersion member, and more particularly, the distance between the peripheral rim and the end rim, is sufficient so as to avoid fine mist dispersed from encountering the concealment wall upon dispersion.

According to a particular example, an edge of the skirt portion of the housing can be formed with an angle which, in conjunction with a peripheral rim of the dispersion member, gives rise to a shaped radius, imposing a flow direction on the water expelled through the gap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the subject at hand and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A is a side view of a fogger according to an example of the present disclosed subject matter;

Fig. IB is a sectioned elevation along line A-A in Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2A is a side view of a fogger according to another example of the present disclosed subject matter, wherein the dispersion disc is fitted with winglets;

Fig. 2B is a sectioned elevation along line A-A in Fig. 2A;

Figs. 3A and 3B are sectioned elevation of a lower portion of a fogger according to yet other examples of the presently disclosed subject matter Figs. 4A and 4B are a top isometric view and a bottom, longitudinally sectioned isometric view, respectively, of another example of a fogger according to the present disclosure;

Figs. 5A and 5B are a top isometric view and a bottom, longitudinally sectioned isometric view, respectively, of yet another example of a fogger according to the present disclosure;

Figs. 6A to 6D are a bottom perspective view and side views, respectively, of an example of winglets applied to the bottom face of the dispersion disc; and

Figs. 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of foggers according to the present invention disclosed different shapes of dispersion disks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Attention is first directed to Figs. 1A and IB of the drawings illustrating a fogger in accordance with the present invention generally designated 10. The fogger comprises a housing 12 fitted with a snap fitted top cover 14 formed at its center with a suspension hook 16 by means of which the fogger 10 is suspended from a suspension cable 18 to a support surface designated at 20 (e.g. wall, support structure in a green house, and the like).

The housing 12 accommodates a high-speed electric motor 30 (Fig. IB) coupled to an electric supply (not shown). The electric motor 30 is provided within a motor compartment 32 sealed above by cover 14 and comprising a motor compartment concealment wall 36 at its bottom end and having a bottom surface 44, through which a motor shaft 38 projects, whereby the motor compartment is substantially water-tight.

It is noted that the concealment wall 36 is formed with a downwardly extending peripheral skirt 42 terminating at a rounded edge 45, which as illustrated in the drawings and will be discussed hereinafter, constitutes part of a dispersion aperture.

A dispersion disc generally designated 50 is secured by an appropriate threading 52 or other suitable connecting arrangement to the motor's shaft 38 and is fixedly secured thereto for rotation by the electric motor 30.

The dispersion disc 50 has a tapering cross-section, its apex being centrally located and coaxial with the shaft 38 of the motor 30. The inside surface 56 of the dispersion disc 50 (i.e. the upwardly facing surface) is substantially smooth though in accordance with some particular examples may be formed with grooves or alternatively ribs for directing liquid flow thereover. The dispersion disc 50 has an outlet edge 60 terminating with a rounded edge 62 which together with the rounded edge 45 of skirt 42 defines a dispersion aperture 63 in the form of a narrow gap of width d (Fig. 1 A).

A liquid main supply line 72 is provided and a branching line 74 is coupled thereto via a pressure regulator 76. The branching line 74 is connected in turn to a liquid supply arrangement 78 of the fogger 10 which in this particular example comprises a liquid flow path 80 having an inlet 82 coupled to said branching line 74 and an outlet nozzle 86 extending in close proximity to the apex of the dispersion disc 50. The outlet nozzle 86 extends at a middle third of the radii of the dispersion disc or adjacent an apex thereof. Furthermore, the outlet nozzle 86 extends at close proximity to the surface of the dispersion disc, e.g. at a distance of about 1mm. It is appreciated that the example discloses only one outlet nozzle 86. However, according to other examples (e.g. Fig. 5 A) of the disclosed subject matter more then one outlet nozzle may be provided.

The motor is a high speed electric motor whereby the dispersion disc revolves, according to some particular example, at between about 10,000 - 20,000 RPM and flow rate range of liquid applied over the dispersion disc depends on the size of the devise, however may be in the range of about 3 to 15 1/h.

It should be noted that both the RPM is determined based on the diameter of the dispersion disc 50 to provide a desired tangential speed of the edge 60 of the dispersion disc 50, and the flow rate / is determined according to this tangential speed. In particular, the desired tangential speed can be in the range of 25,000 to 75,000 mm/s. Thus, for example, for a dispersion member of a diameter 60mm, the revolution speed could be about 8,000, and the flow rate can be about 81/hr.

It is appreciated that in accordance with other examples of the present disclosed subject matter there may be provided more than one such outlet nozzles all being in flow communication with a liquid supply line and disposed so as to discharged liquid over the rotating dispersing disk.

The arrangement is such that liquid, e.g. fresh water, applied through nozzle 86 over the high-speed rotating dispersion disc 50 results in scattering of the liquid drops into fine mist dispersed under centrifugal forces radially off the dispersion disc and through the outlet aperture 63. It is appreciated that the gap d of the outlet 63 is sufficient for dispersion of the fine liquid droplets (mist) though small enough to prevent egress of insects and dirt into the cavity 90 extending between the dispersion disc 50 and the concealment wall 44.

Furthermore, the distance D extending between the bottom surface of the concealment wall 44 and the edge 45 of the downwardly extending skirt 44 is sufficient to prevent fine liquid droplets from accumulating into larger drops which would then interfere with the smooth flow of mist through the outlet aperture 63.

In the present example, the outlet aperture 63 is continuous and extends 360° with no interference, thereby dispersing mist at a circular, homogenous pattern. However, in accordance with a different example (not shown) the outlet aperture is sectioned by means of barrier walls extending from the skirt 44. The sections are typically symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis (along line A-A in Fig. 1A) though may just as well be non-symmetric. Even more so, the angular size of the dispersion sectors may be controllable, for example by a sliding barrier wall slidingly displaceable about the skirt wall 44 (not shown) whereby the size and location of the dispersion sector is controllable.

With further reference now being made to Figs. 2A and 2B, there is illustrated yet a similar fogger in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter generally designated 98, however slightly modified. Modification of the embodiment of Figs. 2A and 2B extends in that the dispersion disc 100 is fitted at its outside (bottom) surface with three winglets 102A, 102B and 102C (the three being seen in Fig. 2A and only two of them are seen in Fig. 2B)

As a consequence of adding winglets 102A, 102B and 102C, the small liquid droplets contained in the fine mist exiting through the outlet aperture 106 through gap d are dispersed further away from the fogger, increasing absorption of water in the surrounding environment and improving humidification of the environment. However, it is appreciated that the winglets may assume different shapes to thereby carry the mist upwards/downwards or further away from the dispersion disk.

In the embodiment of Fig. 3 A there is illustrated a fogger in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter generally designated 150 the only difference residing in that the bottom surface 152 of the concealment wall 154 tapers downwardly from its center being substantially coaxial with shaft 156 of motor 158. The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3B discloses a configuration in which the surface 170 of the concealment wall 172 is coplanar with the bottom edge 174 of the housing defining the outlet aperture 180.

The winglets may be integrated or articulately coupled to the dispersion disc or to a shaft extension (Figs. 5A and 5B).

With further reference being made now to Figs 4 and 5, there are illustrated two further examples according to the present disclosed invention. The fogger 200 in Figs. 4A and 4B comprises an electric motor 202 supported by a housing 204 suspendable by a hook 206. A liquid inlet port is provided for coupling to a liquid supply line (not shown), terminating at an outlet nozzle 212 extending at the central third along the radii of a dispersion disk 216, said out let nozzle 212 disposed at a distance s of about 1 mm. from the surface of the dispersion disk 216.

Unlike the previous examples, in the present example the dispersion disc 216, which is coupled to the motor shaft 219 by a coupling bolt 222, the edges 226 (i.e. the perimeter) of the dispersion disc 216 extend beyond the diameter of the housing 204 (i.e. R>r) and the vertical distance d between the edge 226 of the dispersion disc 216 is significant as compared to the previous examples, giving rise to a large space between the dispersing surface 230 of the disk 216 and a bottom surface of the housing/motor facing said surface 230.

In the example disclosed here insofar the surface 230 of the dispersion disk 216 is substantially smooth. However according to other examples, the surface 230 is patterned e.g. with radial/spiral grooves or the like, thus imparting the liquid a directional centrifugal dispersion.

As further noted, a bottom surface 234 of the dispersion disk 216 is fitted with a plurality (three in the present example) of winglets 236, said winglets extending only from a central portion of the disk 216 and radially outwards.

The winglets may be formed at different angles to increase/decrease the dispersion range or change the take-off angle of the mist dispersed from the rotating dispersion disc.

In use, liquid is provided through the liquid outlet nozzle 212 at a substantial constant flow rate and the high speed revolving disk 216 generates a suction force on the liquid resulting in generating a fine liquid layer ('liquid film') which under centrifugal forces is expelled radially outwardly. The example illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B is directed to a fogger 300 similar to the example of Figs. 4A and 4B with the exemptions of two liquid outlet nozzles 302A and 302B being in flow communication with the liquid inlet port 306. Furthermore, the winglets are not integral with the dispersion disc 312 but rather there is provided a wing assembly 316, comprising three winglets 318, and the wing assembly 316 is articulated to the fogger by a bolt 324 integral with the wing assembly (best seen in Fig. 5B), extending through an aperture in the disk 312 and screw coupled thereto.

Figure 6A is a side view of a dispersion disk 340 fitted with planner winglets 342 (i.e. at an upright position of the fogger the winglets extend substantially vertically). The winglets extend from the center (hub) of the disk 340 and terminate adjacent the perimeter edge thereof. This configuration of winglets results in slight elevation of the mist such that as it takes-off from the edge of the dispersion disk it elevates, thus increasing the dispersion range of the mist and improving its precipitation.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a bottom face of a dispersion disk 350 comprising three winglets 352, each extending from the center (hub) of the disk 359 and terminating adjacent the perimeter edge thereof. However, the winglets 352 are twisted (i.e. non-planer) i.e. slightly downwards directed when considering rotation of the disc in direction of arrow 358, and are so designed that when the dispersion disk 350 revolves in direction of arrow 358 the liquid mist dispersed is imparted with a downwards directed vector, resulting in substantial horizontal dispersion of the mist.

Figure 6C is a side view of a dispersion disk 360 fitted with three non-planner winglets 362, however configured at an inverted orientation as compared with winglets 352; i.e. slightly upwards directed when considering rotation of the disc in direction of arrow 358 . The winglets extend from the center (hub) of the disk 360 and terminate adjacent the perimeter edge thereof. This configuration of winglets results in elevation of the mist such that as it takes-off from the edge of the dispersion disk it elevates, thus increasing the dispersion range of the mist and improving its precipitation.

Figs 7A and 7B schematically illustrate different configurations of dispersion disks, wherein in figure 7A the fogger 380 is fitted with a substantially flat dispersion disk 380 and figure 7B illustrates a fogger 390 with a dispersion disk 392 having a flat central portion 394 and upwardly terminal section 396. In the examples disclosed hereinabove, the fogger is disposed at a substantially upright position, i.e. with its longitudinal axis (extending through the motor's shaft and through the rotation axis of the dispersion disk) being substantially vertical. Notably, where the fogger is balanced it may be suspended from a cord or the like. However, at an un-balanced configuration the device requires rigid and firm supporting.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, Mutatis Mutandis.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A humidification system comprising:

a drive shaft having an axis and being rotatable about said axis;

2. A humidification system according to Claim 1, wherein the dispersion member has a radial dimension R extending between the coupling point of the dispersion member and a point located on the peripheral rim thereof.

3. A humidification system according to Claim 2, wherein the dispersion member has a round shape (disc like), having a central axis.

4. A humidification system according to Claim 3, wherein the dispersion member is symmetric about the coupling point so that the radial dimension R is the same for every point on the peripheral rim.

5. A humidification system according to Claim 4, wherein the coupling point of said dispersion member is at its central axis, so that the central axis and the axis of the drive shaft are collinear.

6. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispersion surface of the dispersion member has a planar shape.

7. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispersion surface has a conical shape.

8. A humidification system according to Claim 7, whereinthe dispersion surface has an acute angle with respect to the central axis.

9. A humidification system according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the dispersion surface is formed as a combination of planar and non-planar surfaces.

10. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the dispersion surface of the dispersion member is not continuous.

11. A humidification system according to Claim 10, wherein the dispersion member is in the form of a sectioned disc, constituted by several disc sectors, spaced apart from one another.

12. A humidification system according to Claim 11, wherein each sector is of an individual size, shape and angle.

13. A humidification system according to Claim 11, wherein each sector is individually controlled, and can be tilted with respect to the central axis of the dispersion member and/or with respect to a radial dimension R extending along the sector.

14. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the dispersion surface is smooth.

15. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the dispersion surface is provided with a pattern configured to bring the liquid to flow in a predetermined flow regime.

16. A humidification system according to Claim 15, wherein said pattern is formed by grooves, bulges and/or projections formed on the dispersion surface.

17. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein said dispersion member further comprises one or more winglets, disposed on a side opposite the dispersion surface, configured for assisting in spreading liquid droplets away from dispersion member, upon being emitted from the dispersion member.

18. A humidification system according to Claim 17, wherein the winglets are formed at different angles to increase/decrease the dispersion range of the mist dispersed from the rotating dispersion member.

19. A humidification system according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein the winglets are integral with the dispersion member.

20. A humidification system according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein the winglets are articulately coupled to the dispersion member or to an extension of the drive shaft.

21. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 20, wherein the liquid supply arrangement comprises one or more inlet ends configured for coupling to a liquid supply and at least one outlet end configured for emission of the liquid onto the dispersion surface of the dispersion member.

22. A humidification system according to Claim 17, wherein the at least one outlet end is fitted and/or formed with an outlet nozzle extending in close proximity to said dispersion member.

23. A humidification system according to Claim 22, wherein the outlet nozzle is disposed, along a radial dimension R of the dispersion member, at a middle third of the radial dimension R of the dispersion surface, or adjacent an apex thereof.

24. A humidification system according to Claim 22, wherein the liquid supply arrangement comprises several outlet nozzles, each being disposed at a different location along a radial dimension R of the dispersion member.

25. A humidification system according to Claim 24, wherein one outlet nozzle is disposed along a proximal third of the radial dimension R, close to the central axis, another is disposed along a distal third of the radial dimension R, close to the peripheral edge and yet another is disposed along a middle third of the radial dimension R as suggested above.

26. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 25, wherein the liquid supply arrangement is configured such that the flow rate range of liquid applied over the dispersion member depends on the radial dimension R of the dispersion member.

27. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 26, wherein the humidification system further comprises a housing surrounding the drive shaft and the liquid lines.

28. A humidification system according to Claim 27, wherein the housing is configured for upright suspension using a hooking member, so that the drive shaft extends in a generally vertical orientation.

29. A humidification system according to Claim 27 or 28, wherein the housing further accommodates a drive motor coupled to the drive shaft and configured for revolving the drive shaft about its axis.

30. A humidification system according to Claim 29, wherein the motor is a high speed electric motor configured for revolving the drive shaft at a revolution speed corresponding to the radial dimension R of the dispersion member.

31. A humidification system according to Claim 30, wherein the revolution speed is such with respect to the radial dimension R that the tangential speed V of a point located on the peripheral rim of the dispersion surface ranges between about 25,000 to 75,000 mm/s.

32. A humidification system according to Claim 30 or 31, wherein the motor is configured to revolve the drive shaft at a range of about 4,000 - 20,000 RPM.

33. A humidification system according to Claim 32, wherein the ratio n between a flow rate / of the liquid supply arrangement and the tangential speed V of the dispersion member is about l ^lO^"4 (1/hr to mm/s).

34. A humidification system according to Claim 32 or 33, wherein the flow rate range is about 3 to 15 1/h.

35. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 29 to 34, wherein the housing is formed with an outer wall having an end rim, and the dispersion member is coupled to the drive shaft such that there is formed a gap of distance d between the peripheral rim of the dispersion member and end rim of the housing.

36. A humidification system according to Claim 35, wherein the gap is configured for allowing droplets of liquid traveling along the dispersion surface to be emitted from the peripheral rim of the dispersion member via the gap.

37. A humidification system according to Claim 35 or 36, wherein the gap is configured for preventing dirt and insect ingress into the space.

38. A humidification system according to Claim 35, 36 or 37, the gap is dynamically regulated whereby the distance d of the gap is used to regulate the amount and/or rate of liquid dispersed by the dispersion member.

39. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 35 to 38, wherein the distance between the peripheral rim and the end rim, is sufficient so as to avoid fine mist dispersed from encountering the housing upon dispersion.

40. A humidification system according to any one of Claims 35 to 39, wherein the housing comprises a motor compartment fitted with a concealment wall extending between the motor and the dispersion member, at least a central portion of said wall being distanced at a distance substantially greater than said distance d.

41. A humidification system according to Claim 40, wherein the concealment wall gives rise to a substantially liquid tight space accommodating the motor.

42. A humidification system according to Claim 40 or 41, wherein the concealment wall is substantially flat and is formed with a skirt portion extending in close proximity over the peripheral rim of the dispersion member.

43. A humidification system according to Claim 40, 41 or 42, wherein the skirt portion of the housing is formed with an angle which, in conjunction with a peripheral rim of the dispersion member, gives rise to a shaped radius, imposing a flow direction on the water expelled through the gap.