Psychrometry

Dew-point temperature is the temperature at which the condensation of

water vapor in a space begins for a given state of humidity and pressure as
the
th e temperature of th e vapor is reduced. This is th
thee temperature
corresponding to saturation for a given absolute humidity a t constant
pressure.

3 Diy-bulb temperature is the temperature of gas or mixture of gases indicated

by a n accurate thermometer after correction for radiation.

3 Wet-bulb temperature is the temperature registered by a thermometer whose

bulb is covered by a wet
wetted wick and exposed to a current of rapidly moving
ted
air.

3 The ratio of the a ct

ctu al
al water va
vapo
porr pr
pres
essure of the ai
sure airr to the saturated
water vapor pressure of the air
ai r a t the same temperature is known as relative
humidity.

3 Specific humidity or moisture content is the weight of water vapor in grains,

pounds, grams, or kilograms per grain, pound, gram, or kilogram of dry
air.

3 I n dealing with psychrometric an d air

ai r conditioning problems, air
ai r is
considered as a mixture of water vapor and dr
dryy air. The water vapor in the
ai r is either in the form of superheated steam or
air or,, when the air holds as
much vapor as it can, in the form of saturated steam.

3 Relative humidity, RH or f, is defined as the partial pressure of the water

vapor in the air (pv) divided by the partial pressure exerted by water vapor
in saturated a ir (pd) a t th e same temperature. The equation is

RH = <J = PV. (100%) p... is in psi

where p. ps i or kPaa and pd is in psi or kPaa.
Pd
ÿ

Specific humidity or humidity ratio, W, is defined as the ratio of the weight

or mass of water vapor to the weight or m ass of di
diyy air. In a mixture of
gases or of gasses and vapors, each gas or component occupies the entire

volume. Humidity ratio is given by the equation: W = — = (0.622)

P,  Pv

37
 

Guidebook in Ai r Conditioning Design and Analysis

where pv = density of water vapor in lb/ft3 or kg/m3, pa = density of dry air

in lb/ft3 or kg/m3, pv = psii or kPaa, and
partial pressure of water vapor in ps
y air in ps i or kPaa, pr = barometric pressure in
pa = partial pressure o f d rry
ps i o r kPaa and p   is in ps
psii or kPaa.

O hen a thermometer with its bulb covered by a wetted wick is spun in the
W he
ai r u n t i l th e a iirr surrounding the bulb becomes saturated, the
air th e equilibrium
temperature reached is termed as wet-bulb temperature. Wet-bulb
temperature is lower than the diy-bulb temperature because the energy
required to evaporate the airr comes fr o m th e
th e ai
th e water vapor into the
surrounding air vapor mixture.

O airr ca n hold decreases as the air temperature

Th e amount of water vapor that ai
decreases. When an air vapor mixture is co cool ed at constant pressure until
oled
the air becomes saturated, the temperature reached is known as the dew
at this
point temperature. If cooling process continues constant pressure,
would result in the condensation of moisture from the air.

O A n empirical equation known as Carrier equation is useful in

determining th
thee partial pressure of water vapor in a moist air:

(p,-p.)(DB-WB)
Pv   P w wÿere
Pw = saturation pressure of water vapor
800-1 3(WB)
ÿ

 
a t a temperatureequal to the wet-bulb temperature in psi, DB = dry-bulb
temperature in °F, WB = wet-bulb temperature in °F, an d pt = barometric
and
in
pressure psi.

O An empirical equation known as I.H.V.E. equation is used to determine

the partial pressure of water vapor in a moist air: p v = p w - 6.66 x 10 pt
4

(DB - WB). Where, pv = vapor pressure in kPaa, p w = saturation pressure of

water vapor at a temperature equal to wet-bulb temperature in kPaa, pt =

barometric pressure in kPaa, D B = diy-bulb temperature in °C (taken by

the sling psychrometer), and WB =wet-bulb temperature in °C (taken by a
sling psychrometer).

O I.H.V.E means Institute of Heating and Ventilating Engineers (a British

organization).

3«
 

Psychrometry

O ai r is as follows: h
Carrier equation for the enthalpy of moist air = 0.24(DB) +
W hg . Where, h = enthalpy of moist air
hg. ai r in Btu/lb, D B = dry-bulb temperature
in °F, W = humidit
humidity ratio in lb of water vapor pe r lb dry
y ratio dr y air, hg = enthalpy of
saturated steam a t a temperature equal to the dry-bulb temperature in
Btu/lb.

O I.H.V.E. equations to det

deter
ermin
mine
e the enthalpy of moist air are as follows:
the

Forr 0°C < D B < 60°C: -> h = 1.007 DB

Fo - 0.026 + W (2501 + 1.84 DB)

Forr -10°C < D B < 0°C: -» h

Fo = 1.005 DB + W (2501 + 1.84 DB)

Where, h =enthalpy of moist air

ai r in kJ/kg, DB = dry-bulb temperature in
°C, W = humidity ratio in kg/kg.

O Specific volume is the volume in m3 of one

on e kg of dry air together with the
mass of water vapor associated with it . In the mixture, the water
vapor
occupies the same volume as the dr
dryy air b ut each of these tw o components
is a t it
itss ow
ownn partial pressure.

O An ideal gas law is used to determine the humid volume of ai

airr in three
ways:
a) making u s e o f the mass an
andd partial pressure of the dr
dryy air;
b) making us e of the mass and partial pressure of the water vapor; an
andd
c) making us e of the mass an
andd total pressure of the mixture.

O P er cent as
saturation is defined the ratio of the moisture content of moist
air at a given temperature, DB , to the moisture content of sat
satur
urated air at
ated
the same temperature, DB .

O The standard ai
airr gas c o n s t a n t is equivalent to 53.352 ft-lb/lb-°R or
287 J/k
J/kg-
g-°
°K.

O Water vapor gas constant is equivalent to 85.78 ft-lb/lb-°R o r 462 J /k

/kg-
g-°
°K.

O The universal gas constant is equivalent to 1545.32 ft-lb/lb mo

mole-
le-°
°R or

8.314 kJ/kg mo le-°

le- °K.

39
 

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design an

andd Analysis

3 The following ar e the definitions of ASHRAE for U.S. Standard Atmosphere:

% Acceleration due to gravity is c o ns ta n t a t 32.174 fps2 or 9.807
ns ta m/s2.
ÿ Temperature a t sea level is 59°F, 15°C, or 288. 1°K.
ÿ Pressure at sea level is 29.921 inches of mercury or 101.039 kPa.
The atmosphere consists of dry air, which behaves as a perfect gas.

3 Standard atmospheric pressure is also commonly taken to be 14.696 psi,

or 101.325 kPa, which corresponds to 30 in . Hg , an
andd standard atmospheric
temperature is sometimes assumed to be 70°F or 21°C.

3 The ASHRAE estimation of atmospheric pressure as a function of elevation

(for altitudes up to 60000 ft or 18,291 m) is given by the foll
following
owing equation:

P = a + bH

Where, a   b = constant given in th

the
e tabl
able be
bellow
P = atmospheric pressure in ps
psii or kPa
H = elevation above sea level, ft or meters

H < 4000 ft (or 1220 m) H > 4000 ft (or 1220 m)

Constant IP System SI System IP System SI System

a 29.92 1 0 1 .3 2 5 2 9 .4 2 99.436

b -0.001025 -0.01153 -0.0009 -0.010

IP means inch-pound

3 An instrument used to measure the diy-bulb and wet-bu

wet-bulb
lb temperatures
of a moist air is known as Psychrometer.

3 The study of the properties of moist air is known as Psychrometiy.

3 A graphical representation of the thermodynamic properties of moi

moist air is
st air
called Psychrometric Chart. There are three common psychrometric charts

being used in the Philippines— the Carrier Psychrometric Chart, ASHRAE

Psychrometric Chart, an
andd the IHVE Psychrometric Chart.

40
 

Psychrometry

O Wet-bulb depression is the difference in the dry-bulb temperature an

andd
wet-bulb temperature readings in a psychrome
psychrometer
ter..

O Dew-point temperature is the

th e saturation temperature corresponding to the
th e
actual partial pressure of the steam in ai
airr or the
th e temperature a t which
condensation of moisture begins whe
when
n th
the
e ai
airr cooled at constant pressure.

O ai r is the su m of the enthalpy of dry air and the

The enthalpy of a moist air
enthalpy of water vapor. Enthalpy values are always based on some datum
line, an
andd the zero value of the di
diyy air
ai r is chosen as air at 0°C or 32°F and
the zero value of the water vapor is saturated liquid water a t 0°C or 32°F.

O A device in which ai
airr flows through a spray of water is known as Adiabatic
Saturator. In this device, water circulates continuously, and the spray
provides so much surface area that the air leaves the spray chamber in
equilibrium with the water, with respect to both temperature an
andd vapor
pressure. The walls of the saturator ar e insulated, an
andd n o heat is added to ,
or extracted from, the water line.

41
 
—

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design an

andd Analysis

ÿm V-  

-  

•  

ÿ
 

I
Psychrometry

PROBLEMS

1. a) Calculate the water vapor

vapor press
pressur
uree of the atmosphere if the dry-bulb
temperature is 22°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 10°C at standard
atmosphere.
b) Calculate
b.l) the relative humidity,
b.2) the degree or percent saturation,
b.3) the humidity ratio, an
andd
b.4) the enthalpy of the mixture.

2. How high a relative humidity m u s t a 35°C air have in order to obtain

saturated air at 18°C by evaporative cooling?
 43

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design and Analysis

3. Calculate the specific volume of an air vapor-mixture in cu.m. per kg dry

a ir when the following conditions prevail:
DB = 30 degrees Celsius;
W = 0.015 kg/kg d.a.;
barometric pressure is 90 kPaa

4. Using the humidity ratios from psychrometric chart, calculate th

the
e er
erro
rorr in
considering the wet-bulb line t o be the line of constant enthalpy at the
point 35°C DB and 50% RH.

5. An air-vapor mixture ha s a DB temperature of 30 degrees Celsius an d a

humidity ratio of 0.015 kg/kg d.a. Calculate for tw o barometric pressures
85 kPaa and 101.325 kPaa:
a) the enthalpy
b) the dew-point temperature.
 44

Psychrometry

6. If the DB temperature is 21°C and the WB temperature is 17°C, find the

absolute humidity of the air by calculation an
andd check your answer using
the psychrometric chart.

7. ven for a n air water vapor mixture that DB = 60°C;

G iiv Pt = 30
300 kPaa,, and
0 kPaa
RH = 50.1%. Find the dew-point temperature and the humidity ratio.

8. Air in a n occupied room is at temperature of 20°C DB and ha

hass a moisture
content of 0.007376 kg/kg. When air at 20°C DB is fully saturated, it ca n
hold 0.01475 kg/kg. Calculate the percentage saturation of the room air.
Check the answer with a psychrometric chart.
 45

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design an

andd Analysis

9. A sling psychrometer shows that the air condition in a n occupied room is

WB.. Calculate the percentage sat
22°C DB an d 17°C WB satur
urat
ation and relative
ion
humidity. Check the values from the psychrometric chart.

10. Find the den

densi
siti
ties airr at 25°C DB , when it is a t 20
es of humid ai 20%% saturation
and then when it is a t 23°C WB.

WB;; and
11.. Calculate the specific volume of humid air at 22°C DB ; 17°C WB
11
vapor pressure 16 m b.

12. Find the dew-point temperature of humid air at 22°

22°C DB WB;; and
DB;; 17°C WB
vapor pressure 16 mb using the three methods described.
 46

Psychrometry

13. Determine the degree o r percent saturation of water vapor in a n air a t 2 1°C
DB an
andd 10°C WB. What is the RH ? Barometric pressure is 29 Hg .

14. A compressor receives an air- water vapor mixture at 96 kPaa, 10°C , and
with a vapor pressure of 1.0 kPaa and compresses it adiabatically to

207 kPaa and 65°C. Determine:

a) the work required per kg d.a.; and
b) the RH initially and finally.
 47

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design and Analysis

 
 

Psychrometry

STUDENT'S SE
SELF
LF TEST
TEST

Instruction: Select the correct answer.

1. An air-vapor mixture has a D B temperature of 30°C an

andd a humidity ratio
of 0.015 kg/kg d.a. Calculate the enthalpy.
a) 68.527 kJ/kg d.a. b) 78.527 kJ/kg d.a.
c) 58.527 kJ/kg d.a. d) 88.527 kJ/kg d.a.

2. In problem   1 above, determine the vapor pressure if the barometric

pressure is 10
1011 kPaa.
a) 3.2783 kPaa b) 2.3783 kPaa
c) 3.8723 kPaa d) 2.8372 kPaa

3. Calculate the moisture content of moist ai

airr a t 20°C DB , 15°C WB
WB,, an
andd
95 kPa barometric pressure. Le
Lett the saturation pressure of water a t 15°C
equals to 1.7057 kPaa and at 20°C is 2.339 kPaa.
a) 0.00923 kg/kg d.a. b) 0.00293 kg/kg d.a.
c) 0.00392 kg/kg d.a. d) 0.00239 kg/kg d.a.

4. In problem   3 above, determine the relative humidity of the moist air.

a) 49.5% b) 45.9%
c) 59.4% d) 54.9%

5. Air in an occupied room is at a temperature of 20°C DB a nd

nd h as
as moisture
content of 0.00738 kg/kg d.a. When air at 20°C DB is fully saturated, it
ca n hold 0.01475 kg vapor per kg diy
diy air. Calculate the percent saturation

50.03% b) 53.00%  
of the room air. From Steam Tables, at 20°C, p = 2.339 kPaa.
a)
c) 35.00% d) 50.30%

6. In problem   5 above, calculate the enthalpy of the moist air.

a) 48.83 kJ/kg d.a. b) 43.88 kJ/kg d.a.
c) 38.84 kJ/kg d.a *
d) 48.38 kJ/kg d.a.

7. A compressor receives an air-vapor mixture at 96 kPaa, 10 C, and with a

vapor pressure of 1.0 kPaa; and compresses it adiabatically to 207 kPaa
and 65°C. Determine the initial humidity ratio. From Steam Tables: at
 10°C, pd 1.2276 kPaa;
= at 65°C, pd = 25.03 kPaa.
a) 0.0065 kg/kg d.a. b) 0.0650 kg/kg d.a.
c) 0.0056 kg/kg d.a. d) 0.0560 kg/kg d.a.

49

Guidebook in Ai r Conditioning Design and

an d Analysis

8. In problem   7 above, determine initial relative humidity.

a) 84.16% b) 86.14%
c) 84.61% d) 81.46%

9. In problem   7 above, calculate the final relative humidity.

a) 8.55% b) 5.85%
c) 7.55% d) 5.75%

10. A certain volume of moist air is at 34°C and 65 % RH wh en the barometric

when
pressure is 101 kPa. If the vapor pressure at 34°C is 5.318 kPaa, determine
the humidity ratio.
a) 0.02204 kg/kg d.a. b) 0.00224 kg/kg d.a.
c) 0.04202 kg/kg d.a. d) 0.02402 kg/kg d.a.

11. I n problem   10 above, determine the enthalpy of moist air.

a) 90.97 kJ/kg d.a . b) 97.09 kJ/kg d.a.
c) • 79.09 kJ/kg d.a. d) 70.99 kJ/kg d.a.

12.. In problem   1 0 above, cal

12 calcul
culat
ate
e the specific volume.
the
a) 0.9503 m3/kg d.a. b) 0.9035 m3/kg d.a.
c) 0.9305 m3/kg d.a. d) 0.9530 m3/kg d.a.

13. Determine the moisture content of a moi

Determine moist
st air perr k g d iy
air in kg vapor pe iy air a t
WB,, a nd 95 Kpaa barometric pressure if Psa[ a t
20°C D B , 15°C WB
15°C = 1.7051 Kpaa.
a) 0.009228 b) 0.004354
c) 0.008622 d) 0.0235

14. Calculate the humidity ratio of moist air a t 65

65%% relative humidity an
andd
34°C DB whe
when
n barome
barometr ic pressure is 101.3 Kpaa. P . @34°C
tric = 5.324
Kpaa.
a) 0.033 - b) 0.022
c) 0.012 d) 0.018
 ai r is 0.027 a t 1 atmosphere pressure,
15. If the specific humidity of moist air
what is the partial pressure of the water vapor in the mixture?
a) 4.125 Kpaa b) 3.516 Kpaa
c) 3.617 Kpaa d) None of these

50

Psychrometry

16. The mixing ratio of humid air

ai r is 0.034 at a dry-bulb temperature of 27°C.
Determine the enthalpy o f the given air: hÿ@27°C = 2550.8 KJ/kg
a) 67.25 kJ/kg b) 80.62 KJ/kg
c) 87.73 KJ/kg d) 55.68 KJ/kg

17.. What is the specific volume in liters/kg of a n air-vapor mixture a t 30°C

17
and relative humidity of 40 at lOOKpaa if the saturation pressure at 30°C
is 4.246 KPaa?
a) 806
80 6 b) 809
c) 908 d) 506

17,, what is the density of the given air in kg/m3?

18. In problem   17
a) 1.64 b) 1.32
c) 1.25 d) 1.10

Ai r in occupied room is a t 20°C D B an

19. Air andd ha
hass a moisture content of
0.007376 kgv/kgia. When air a t 20°C DB is fully saturated, it ca n hold
0.01475 kgv/kgda. Calculate the percent or degree of saturation of the room
air.
a) 56
56%% b) 82%
82 %
c) 50
50%% d) 46%

20. In problem   1 9 , what is the enthalpy of room air in Btu/lb d.a.?

a) 22.51 b) 16.70
c) 12.3 d) 14.28'

21. Determine th
the
e satur
saturation ratio of water vapor in an air
ation at 21 °C D B an
andd
10°C WB. Barometric pressure is 29 in Hg absolute and P s t
fa 21°C is
2.48
2.487 Kpaa and 1.2276 Kpaa, respectively.
7 Kpaa
a) 20% b) 15%
c) 25%
25 % d) 30%

22.. The dry-bulb temperature of humid air is 35°C. What is the wet-bulb
22
depression in °F if th
the
e wet-bulb temperature is 18°C?
wet-bulb
a) 17.6 -b ) 30.6
c) 18.0 d) None of these
 23. Determine the dew
dew-po
-point
int depr
depres
ession of the room air when the diy-bulb
sion
and dew-point temperature is 69.8°F an
andd 15°C, respectively.
a) 6°C b) 8°C
c) 5.8°C d) 7°F

51

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design an

andd Analysis

24..
24 Determine the capacity of the
the heater which heats 1.5 m,/s of moist air a t
heater
a state of 21°C DB an
andd 15°C WB by 20°C if the enthalpy of enter
enterin
ing airr is
g ai
62.26 K J /k g an
andd the enthalpy of the leaving ai .9 4 K J /kg. The specific
airr is 4 1.94
ai r is 84 5 liters pe r kg
volume of entering air kg..
a) 28.05 KW b) 54.25 KW
c) 36.075 KW d) 10.525 KW

25 . Calculate th
thee load on th
thee cooler coil that cools 1.8 kg /s of moist ai r a t a
state of 21°C D B, 15°C W B an
andd 1 a tm pressure by 5°C. The enthalpy of ai
airr
entering is 41.84 KJ/kg and air leaving is 36.845 KJ/kg.
a) 12.05 hp b) 13.05 hp
c) 10.05 hp d) 8.05 hp

26. In problem   25, how much moisture was added?

a) 0.004 kg / se c b) zero

c) 0.0185 kg / sec d) 0.0052 kg/sec

27. 2.5 m3/s of humid air DB,, 21 WB and 101.325 Kpaa flow
at a state of 28°C DB
across a cooler coil an d leaves at 12
12.5 °C DB an
.5° and
d 0.
0.0083 kg vapor pe
0083 perr kg
dry air. If the apparatus dew-point (ADP) is 8.5, compute for the contact
factor (CF).
a) 0.835 b) 0.795
c) 0.579 d) 0.306

28. In problem   27, what is the by-pass factor (BPF) of the cooler coil?
a) 0.502 b) 0.603
c) 0.205 d) 0.306

29 . airr a t 33°C D B an d 19°C WB is cooled an

1.4 kg/sec of ai andd .humidified by
passing through a n air washer in which water is conti
continuously
nuously circulat
circulated.
ed.
The air leaves the air
ai r washer a t 23°C DB . Determine the air moistur
moisture
e added
added
in kg / sec if the specific humidity of air leaving and air entering the washer
is 0.0122 an
andd 0.0081, respectively.
a) 0.005*4 b) 0.00385
c) 0.00853 d) 0.00835
 30 . mine the bypass fa
Determine
Deter fact
ctor ai r heating coils if the mean coil temperature
or of air
is 110°F an
andd it heats air from 60°F to 90°F.
a) 0.30 b) 0.50
c) 0.40 d) 0.60

52

*1
 

0 037

0 031 ,

PSYCHROMETRIC CHART 0 030 0«0

NORMAL TEMPERATURES
0 07
070
0
-
0071  

SI METRIC UNITS
Barometric Pressure 101 325 kPa

SE
SEA
A L EVE
EVEL
L

-10
  Dry Bulb ltmp rra tjic C
on o 0.05
Volume mÿ/kf Or* An Copyfijht Ctrner Corpont.tn 1975
8»to~ 0 C Pioptibn and Entlutpf Devutiow Lum An f oi let Cti No 794 00? Punted m U.S.A.

Reproduced courtesy of Carrier Corporation

en
w

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design an d Analysis

REFERENCES:

ASHRAE, Inc. 1999 ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems a n d Eq

Equi
uipment,, SI Edition.
pment
ASHRAE, Inc., Atlanta, G.A.., 1999.
 ASHRAE, Inc. 199 6 ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems an
andd Equipment, SI Edition.
ASHRAE, Atlanta, G.A., 1996.

Chadderton, David V. Air Conditioning: A Practical Introduction. London: E 8 FN SPON,

1995.

Jones, W. P. Air Conditioning Engineering, 3rd Ed

Engineering, Ed.. Lond
London
on:: Edwa
Edward
rd Arnold, 1985.

Jordan, Richard C. and Priester, Gayle B . Refrigeration an

andd Air Conditioning, 2n
2ndd Ed
Ed..
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1956.

Keenan, Joseph H ., Keyes, Fredereck G., G. , an

G. , Hill, Philip G., andd Moore, Joan G. Steam
Tables, SI Units. New York: John Wiley 8s Sons Publ
Public
icati
ation,
on, 1978.
1978.

Sta.Maria, Hipolito B. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, SI Edition. Manila: National

Book Store, 1989.

Stoecker, Wilbert F. an
andd Jones, Jerold W. Refrigeration an
andd Air Conditioning, 2n d Ed.
New York: McGraw-Hill Company, 1982.

54

h.
 
 PSVCHROMETRV
O F R IR CONDITIONING
PROCESSES

INTRODUCTION

This lesson deals with the basic air

ai r conditioning processes such as sensible
heating, sensible cooling, humidifying, deh
dehumi
umidi
dify
fying
ing,, heating and humidifying,
heating
cooling and dehumidifying, cooling an d humidifying, heating and dehumidi
dehumidifyi
fying
ng or
chemical dehumidifying, and the a ir
ir m ix in g processes. Each process is discussed
ix in
with the corresponding schematic and psychrometric diagrams. Sample or illustrative
problems are discussed for application of the topics.

At the end of the lesson, additional problems are provided for the students to
further enhance their learning process in solving problems in air conditioning
processes. .

LESSON OBJECTIVES

The study of this lesson will enable the students to :

1. define an
and
d expl
explain the eight basic ai
ain airr conditioning processes;
2. discuss the psychrometric processes of heating, mixing, cooling,
humidification and dehumid
dehumidif
ifica
icatio
tion;
n;
3. draw the schematic an d psychrometric diagrams of each process;
4. defi
define and differentiate 'contact factor' and Tÿy-pass factor' of cooler coil,
ne and
air washer, and heater coil;

55

-*
 

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design and Analysis

5. determine an d calc
calculate the capacity of air washe
ulate washer, cooling coil, and heater
r, cooling
battery using psychrometric chart an d formulas;
6. plot an
andd illustrate each process in the psychrometric chart; and
solve the
the probl
problems
ems a t the end the
 7.

A. BASIC AI
AIRR CONDITIONING PROCESSES

3 The basic processes in air conditioning are a t practically constant pressure

a nd an be illustrated by lines on a psychrometric chart.
nd c an

3 As shown in Figure 3.
3.11 below, the basic ai
airr conditioning processes are
sensible cooling; sensible heating; humidifying; dehumidifying; heating and
humidifying; cooling an
andd dehumidifying; cooling and humidifying; and
heating an d dehumidifying or chemi
chemical
cal dehumidifyi
dehumidifying.
ng.

Figure 3.1. Psychrometric Diagram of Air Conditioning Processes

0 to 1: Sensible Heating 0 to 5: Heating and Humidifying

0 to 2: Sensible Cooling 0 to 6: Cooling and Dehumidifying
0 tc 3: Humidifying 0 to 7: Cooling and Humidifying
0 to 4: Dehumidifying 0 to 8: Heating an d Dehumidifying
or Chemical Dehumidifying

56

Psyclirometry of A ir Conditioning Process

A ir Conditioning Processes
 1. Sensible Heating is an air
ai r conditioning process that involves heating
without ch
chan
angi
ging
ng the
the moisture content (humidity ratio) of air. The process
moisture
is represented by horizo
horizontal
ntal li
line
ne in the psychrometric chart, from left to
the right.

ÿ Application: Air in a duct passing through or over a heater, like a

heater coil.
Heating
Medium Out

Heater Coil

Ai
Airr Entering Ai r Leaving

Heating
Medium In

Figure 3.2. Schematic Diagram, Sensible Heating

w. = w

Figure 3.3. Psychrometric Diagram, Sensible Heating

57

Airr Conditioning Design an

Guidebook in Ai andd Analysis

Heater Capacity:

q = m (h2   hj
 Where q = the capacity of the heater, kW
m = Q,
/V i = mass flow rate of dry air, kg/s

Q, = volume rate of air entering the heater, m3/s

v, = specific volume of the entering air, m3/kg
= enthalpy of air entering the heater, kJ/kg d.a.
h,
h = entha
enthalp y of air leaving the heater, kJ/kg d.a.
lpy

2. Sensible Cooling is a process that involves cooling without changing the

humidity ratio of the air. T h e process is represented by a horizontal line in
the psychrometric chart, from right to left. The final temperature cannot be
below the initial dew point temperature.

<ÿ> Application: Air in a duct passing through a cooling coil or air washer.
The surface temperature of a cooling coil is above the dew-point
temperature of the air.
Cooling
Medium Out

Cooler Coil
ir Entering Air Leaving

Cooling
Medium In

Figure 3.4. Schematic Diagram, Sensible Cooling

w = w,

db2 db,

Figure 3 . 5. Psychrometric Diagram, Sensible Cooling

5«

Psychrometry of Air
Ai r Conditioning Process

Cooler Coil Capacity,

 q = mfh,   h2) in kW or TR

Where, TR = Tons of Refrigeration

1 T R = 3.517 kW

3. Humidifying Process is a process of increasing the humidity ratio without

changing the dry-bulb temperature of the air. The process is represented
in the psychrometric chart by a vertical line (upward).

Application: Air in a duct passing through the spray of water

Air Entering

/\ /\
/\ Air Leaving
\
y.
Spray of Water    
:;V
1 i 2

' ' ' '  

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Figure 3. 6. Schematic Diagram, Humidifying

db , = db2
db,

Figure 3. 7. Psychrometric Diagram, Humidifying

59

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design an d Analysis

A mo un t o f moisture added:
mo un
 mv = m(W2 - WJ in kg vapor pe r second

4. Dehumidifying Process is a process of decreasing the humidity ratio

without changing the diy-bulb temperature of air. The process is represented
in the pychrometric chart by a vertical line (downward).

Application: Air in a duct passing through a cooling coil or air washer

Cooling Water In

ir Entering Air Leaving

Air Washer

Cooling Water Out

Figure 3.8. Schematic Diagram, Dehumidifying

Figure 3. 9. Psychrometric Diagram, Dehumidifying

Amount of moisture removed:

m v= mfWj-WJ

6o

Psychrometry of A ir Conditioning Process

 5. Heating an
andd Humidifying is a process of simultaneous heating an d
humidifying of air
ai r by either drawing it through spray or over trays of ho
hott or
warm water. The water m u s t be heated during the process in order to
supply the latent heat nee
neede
ded
d for evaporation.

ÿ Application: Air in a duct passing through a spray or trays of ho

hott or
warm water

Ho t Water In
  — *

Air Entering
Air Leaving

  1 11   i1   Spray of hot or   1
1 1 1 warm water   ,  1 1   1

Figure 3.10. Schematic Diagram, Heating and Humidifying

DB.2

Figure 3.11. Psychrometric Diagram, Heating an d Humidifying

Amount of moisture added:

m v= m(W2- W ,)

Amount of heat
heat added:

q = m(h2- h ,)

61

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design and Analysis

cooling an d
 6. Cooling an
andd Dehumidifying is a process of simultaneous
dehumidifying of air passing through a cooling coil or ai
airr washer. The
actual process is difficult to show on a chart. It would depend on the type
of the equipment used. B u t in general this ca n be indicated by dotted
curved line. This process is commonly used in summer air conditioning in
which air passes over a cold coil or through a cold water spray. The air is
chilled below it
itss dew-point temperature, thus condensing out moisture.
The final RH generally is higher than the initial RH
RH..

ÿ Application: Air in a duct passing over a cooling coil or through an

air
ai r washer
Cooling
Water In

Air Entering Air Leaving

Y
ir Washer
Cooling
Water Out

Cooling
Medium Out

Cooler Coil
Air Entering Air Leaving

Cooling
Medium In

Figure 3.12. Schematic Diagram, Cooling an

andd Dehumidifying

Figure 3.13. Psychrometric Diagram, Cooling and Dehumidifying

Psychrometry of A ir Conditioning Process

 Amount of moisture removed:

mv = m(W, - W 2)

Capacity of the cooler coil o r ai

airr washer (CDA):

q = m(h,   h2)

CDA - Cooling and dehumidifying apparatus, it could be an air washer

or cooler coil.

ADP - Apparatus dew-point temperature.

7. Cooling an
andd Humidifying is a process of simultaneous cooling an
andd
humidifying of air passing through a spray of water. This process is generally
known as adiabatic saturation, which is a simultaneous process of cooling
and
an d humidifying without changing the wet-bulb temperature.

Adiabatic - means no heat is added or remo

remove
ved
d externally.

ÿ Saturation - implies addi

adding
ng moistu
moisture.
re.

ÿ This is th
the
e action that takes place in an ordinaiy air washer in which
action
the same water is continuously recirculated, b u t is neither heated
n o r cooled.

Recirculated water is sprayed into the air, and part of it evaporates in

trying to saturate the air. If this spraying is effective enough, the air
leaves the spray 100 percent saturated. Th Then
en,, afterr equilibrium is
afte
ai r will leave at the temperature of it
established, the air itss WB, an d the
recirculated water will be at the same temperature.

% This process is indicated on the chart as a line parallel to the WB

li
lines
nes from the entering air
from ai r condition to the saturation line or curve.

ÿ Evaporative Cooling is effective in ho

hott d ry clima
climate
tes
s whe
when
n the cooler
humid condition is more desirable than the ho
hott d iy condition. I t should

63

Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design and Analysis

 be recommended that the leaving WB temperature should n o t be lower
than the spray-water temperature. Relative humidity is raised.

ÿ Application: Process of evaporative cooling

Cooling Water In

>=ÿ
~ . . :  . . J
i i i
 

N /
Air Entering Ai
Airr Leaving

Ai
Airr Washer

Cooling Water O ut

Figure 3. 14 . Schematic Diagram, Cooling an

andd Humidifying

Figure 3.15. Psychrometric Chart, Cooling an

andd Humidifying

8. Chemical Dehumidify ing Process is a simultaneous h ea

e a ttii n g a nd
nd
dehumidifying process.

ÿ ca n be dehumidified by passing the ai

Air can airr over a chemical that has
an affi
affinity for moisture. Usually, in so doing, the moisture is condensed
nity for
and
an d gives up its late
latent heat,, raising the DB temperature o f th e air.
nt heat
The air leaves drier bu t warmer. The WB temperature m ay increase or

64

 
 Psychrometry of A ir Conditioning Process

decrease. Units employing such chemicals are used in some comfort

air-conditioning installations b u t normally fo r industrial a ir
conditioning.

i L

DB.1 DB2

Figure 3. 16. Chemical Dehumidifying

9. A ir Mixing o r Mixing A ir

ÿ When air
ai r at one condition is mixed with air at another condition, the
condition of the final mixture can be indicated on the psychrometric
chart by a point on ine joining the points indicating the original
the line
conditions, as shown in the figure below. The exact location of the
final point will depend upon the relative weights of dry air in the
original air
ai r quantities.

> Application: Mixing of outdoor ai

airr an
andd recirculated air to be
supplied to a n air
ai r conditioned space

Return Air

Mixture

Outdoor Air

Figure 3. 17. Schematic Diagram, Air Mixing

65

Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

 Figure 3.18. Psychrometric Chart, Air Mixing

Let m = e o f dry air, kg/s

mass flow r a tte
h = enthalpy of moist air, kJ/kg
W = humidity ratio, kg/kg d.a.
DB = dry-bulb temperature, °C
DP = dew-point temperature, °C

Mass balance of dry air:

m3 = m i + m2

Mass balance of moisture:

m.iW3 = m,W, + m,W2

m,W, + m2W2
W3 =
m, + m2

Energy balance in terms of enthalpy:

m3h3 = m]h] + m2h2

ÿ
_ m ÿ j + m2h2
ny + m 2

66

 
 Psychrometry of A ir Conditioning Process

Energy balance in terms of diy-bulb temperature:

m3DB3 = 111,08, + m2DB2

niiDB, + m2DB2
DB =
m, + m 2

Energy balance in terms of dew-point temperature

™PP
™P P 3
= m,DP, + mPP,

mjDP, + m2DP,
dp 3 =
m, + m 2

B. ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

Ex. Calculate on a which heats of

3.1] the load heater battery 1.5 m3/s moist
air, initially a t a state of 2 1°C DB , 15°C WB and 10 1.325 kPa barometric pressure,
by 20 degrees. If low pressure ho
hott water at 85 C return, is used to achieve this,
calculate the flow necessary, in kg/s of water.

Given: A heater batteiy

Pt = 101.325 kPa

DB, = 21°C
Heater Coi
W B, = 15°C
ir Entering Air Leaving
ADB =
20°C
V, = 1.5 m3/s
t . = 85 °C
DB2 = 21 + 20 = 41°C
wl
= temperature of ho
hott water entering the heater battery

w2
= temperature of ho
hott water leaving the
the he
heater battery
ater

Required:

a. T he heat load
b. mass flow rate of heating water
The mass

67

 
 an d Analysis
Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design and

21 °C 41 °C

Figure 3. a .

Solution:

From the psychrometric chart (Carrier),

At point 1: h, = 42.1   0.16 = 41.94 kJ/kg d. a.

= 0.0082 kg/kg d.a.
W,
v. = 0.845 m3/kg d.a.

At point 2: h2 = 63.0 - 0.74 = 62.26 kJ/kg d.a.

W2 = W,

a. eat load
Determination of the h ea

q = without changing
heat required to increase the temperature of air without
the humidity ratio

q = m(h2 - h j

where m = mass flow rate of dry air, kg/s

m= Vl = J_15_ = i 775 k /s
Vj 0.845

Therefore, q = 1.775(62.26 - 41.94) = 36.068 kW

68

 
 Psychrometry of A ir Conditioning Process

b. Forr the mass flow rate of heating water

Fo

Le t q w =q = mwc pw* 

 
wl
t-tj
w2'

where qw = heat rejected by the heating, which is equal to the

heat absorbed by the
th e a ir

mw = mass flow rate of heating water, kg/s

c = specific he
heat
at of water a t constant pressure
pw
= 4.187 kJ/kg
kJ /kg -°
-°C
C

Therefore,

36.068
m.„ = = 0.861 kg/s
Cpw(t„,-tw2) 4.187(85-75)

E x . 3.2] Determine the heat required to raise 0.50 m3/s of ai

airr a t 10°C an
andd 80%
RH to 32°C. What is the final relative humidity?

Given: Sensible Heating

H ot Wat er Out

DB, = 10°C
Heater Coi
RH, = 8 0% Air Entering Air Leaving

DB 2 = 32°C
V. = 0.50 m3/s Ho t Water In

Required:

The heat load and the final

and
RH

w , = w2

10 °C 32 °C

Figure 3.b.

6t )

 
Guidebook in A ir Conditioning Design and Analysis

Solution:

From
From the psychrometric chart,
the

at point 1: h 25.0 - 0.03 = 24.97 k j / k g d.a.

W, = 0.006 kg/kg d.a.

v, = 0.81 m3/kg d.a.

at point 2: h, = 48.2   0.44 = 47.76 kJ/kg d.a.

2
w, W.

eat load, q = m(h,  

Solving for the h ea hj

where m = mass flow rate of dry air, kg/s

m= — = = 0.617 kg/s
Vj 0.81

Therefore, q = 0.617(47.76   24.97) = 14.06 kW

Solving for the final RH using the Carrier psychrometric chart,

RH22
RH = 21%
21 %

E x. 3.3] (Sensible Cooling) Calculate the load on a cooler coil which cools the
moist air mentioned in exercise 3.1. by 5 degrees. What is the flow rate of

chilled water n e c e s s a i y to this cooling if flow and return temperatures of 10°C

and
an d 15nC ar e satisfactory?

Given: A cooler coil

Water Out
DB, = 21°C tb=15°C
ta = 10°C 1 2
Heater Coil
W B, = 15°C
Air Entering Air Leaving
tb = 15°C
Water
= 2 1 - 5 = 16°C t 10°C
DB2
DB
V ,2 = 1.5 m3/s =

70