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 temperature of the vapor is reduced. This is the temperature
corresponding to saturation for a given absolute humidity at constant
pressure.

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

by an accurate thermometer after correction for radiation.

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

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

3 The ratio of the actual water vapor pressure of the air to the saturated
water vapor pressure of the air at 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 In dealing with psychrometric and air conditioning problems, air is

considered as a mixture of water vapor and dry air. The water vapor in the
air is either in the form of superheated steam 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 air (pd) at the same temperature. The equation is

RH = <J) = PV. (100%) where p.. is in psi or kPaa and

ÿ pd is in psi or kPaa.
Pd

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

or mass of water vapor to the weight or mass of diy 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 Air 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 = partial pressure of water vapor in psi or kPaa, and
pa = partial pressure of dry air in psi or kPaa, pr = barometric pressure in
,
psi or kPaa and p is in psi or kPaa.

O When a thermometer with its bulb covered by a wetted wick is spun in the
air until the air surrounding the bulb becomes saturated, the 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 water vapor into the air comes from the
surrounding air vapor mixture.

O The amount of water vapor that air can hold decreases as the air temperature
decreases. When an air vapor mixture is cooled at constant pressure until
the air becomes saturated, the temperature reached is known as the dew
point temperature. If cooling process continues at constant pressure, this
would result in the condensation of moisture from the air.

-
O An empirical equation known as Carrier equation is useful in
determining the partial pressure of water vapor in a moist air:
(p,-p.)(DB-WB)
Pv - Pw 2800-1 3(WB)
ÿ
wÿere
Pw = saturation pressure of water vapor
at a temperature equal to the wet-bulb temperature in psi, DB = dry-bulb
temperature in °F, WB = wet-bulb temperature in °F, and pt = barometric
pressure in 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: pv = pw - 6.66 x 10 pt
4

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

water vapor at a temperature equal to wet-bulb temperature in kPaa, pt =
barometric pressure in kPaa, DB = 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 Carrier equation for the enthalpy of moist air is as follows: h = 0.24(DB) +

W hg. Where, h = enthalpy of moist air in Btu/lb, DB = dry-bulb temperature
in °F, W = humidity ratio in lb of water vapor per lb dry air, hg = enthalpy of
saturated steam at a temperature equal to the dry-bulb temperature in
Btu/lb.

O I.H.V.E. equations to determine the enthalpy of moist air are as follows:

For 0°C < DB < 60°C: -> h = 1.007 DB - 0.026 + W (2501 + 1.84 DB)

For -10°C < DB < 0°C: -» h = 1.005 DB + W (2501 + 1.84 DB)

Where, h =enthalpy of moist air 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 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 dry air but each of these two components
is at its own partial pressure.

O An ideal gas law is used to determine the humid volume of air in three
ways:
a) making use of the mass and partial pressure of the dry air;
b) making use of the mass and partial pressure of the water vapor; and
c) making use of the mass and total pressure of the mixture.

O Percent saturation is defined as the ratio of the moisture content of moist

air at a given temperature, DB, to the moisture content of saturated air at
the same temperature, DB.

O The standard air gas constant is equivalent to 53.352 ft-lb/lb-°R or

287 J/kg-°K.

O Water vapor gas constant is equivalent to 85.78 ft-lb/lb-°R or 462 J/kg-°K.

O The universal gas constant is equivalent to 1545.32 ft-lb/lb mole-°R or

8.314 kJ/kg mole-°K.

39
Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

3 The following are the definitions of ASHRAE for U.S. Standard Atmosphere:
% Acceleration due to gravity is constant at 32.174 fps2 or 9.807 m/s2.
ÿ Temperature at 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, and 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 following equation:

P = a + bH

Where, a & b = constant given in the table below

P = atmospheric pressure in psi 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 29.92 101.325 29.42 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-bulb 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 moist air is

called Psychrometric Chart. There are three common psychrometric charts
being used in the Philippines— the Carrier Psychrometric Chart, ASHRAE
Psychrometric Chart, and the IHVE Psychrometric Chart.

40
 Psychrometry

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

wet-bulb temperature readings in a psychrometer.

O Dew-point temperature is the saturation temperature corresponding to the

actual partial pressure of the steam in air or the temperature at which
condensation of moisture begins when the air cooled at constant pressure.

O The enthalpy of a moist air is the sum of the enthalpy of dry air and the
enthalpy of water vapor. Enthalpy values are always based on some datum
line, and the zero value of the diy air is chosen as air at 0°C or 32°F and
the zero value of the water vapor is saturated liquid water at 0°C or 32°F.

O A device in which air 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 and vapor
pressure. The walls of the saturator are insulated, and no heat is added to,
or extracted from, the water line.

41
 —

Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

ÿm V- "

- .
- "

'
•

ÿ
I
Psychrometry

PROBLEMS

1. a) Calculate the water vapor pressure 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, and
b.4) the enthalpy of the mixture.

2. How high a relative humidity must a 35°C air have in order to obtain
saturated air at 18°C by evaporative cooling?

43
Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

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

air 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 the error in
considering the wet-bulb line to be the line of constant enthalpy at the
point 35°C DB and 50% RH.

5. An air-vapor mixture has a DB temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and a

humidity ratio of 0.015 kg/kg d.a. Calculate for two 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 and check your answer using
the psychrometric chart.

7. Given for an air water vapor mixture that DB = 60°C; Pt = 300 kPaa, and
RH = 50.1%. Find the dew-point temperature and the humidity ratio.

8. Air in an occupied room is at temperature of 20°C DB and has a moisture

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

45
Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

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

22°C DB and 17°C WB. Calculate the percentage saturation and relative
humidity. Check the values from the psychrometric chart.

10. Find the densities of humid air at 25°C DB, when it is at 20% saturation
and then when it is at 23°C WB.

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

12. Find the dew-point temperature of humid air at 22°C DB; 17°C WB; and
vapor pressure 16 mb using the three methods described.

46
 Psychrometry

13. Determine the degree or percent saturation of water vapor in an air at 2 1°C
DB and 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 Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

'

"
 Psychrometry

STUDENT'S SELF TEST

Instruction: Select the correct answer.

1. An air-vapor mixture has a DB temperature of 30°C and 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 101 kPaa.
a) 3.2783 kPaa b) 2.3783 kPaa
c) 3.8723 kPaa d) 2.8372 kPaa

3. Calculate the moisture content of moist air at 20°C DB, 15°C WB, and
95 kPa barometric pressure. Let the saturation pressure of water at 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 and has moisture

content of 0.00738 kg/kg d.a. When air at 20°C DB is fully saturated, it
can hold 0.01475 kg vapor per kg diy air. Calculate the percent saturation
of the room air. From Steam Tables, at 20°C, p , = 2.339 kPaa.
a) 50.03% b) 53.00%
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 Air Conditioning Design and 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 when the barometric
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. In 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 #10 above, calculate the specific volume.

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 moist air in kg vapor per kg diy air at
20°C DB, 15°C WB, and 95 Kpaa barometric pressure if Psa[ at
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 at 65% relative humidity and
34°C DB when barometric pressure is 101.3 Kpaa. P . @34°C = 5.324
Kpaa.
a) 0.033 - b) 0.022
c) 0.012 d) 0.018

15. If the specific humidity of moist air is 0.027 at 1 atmosphere pressure,

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 is 0.034 at a dry-bulb temperature of 27°C.
Determine the enthalpy of 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 an air-vapor mixture at 30°C

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

18. In problem # 17, what is the density of the given air in kg/m3?
a) 1.64 b) 1.32
c) 1.25 d) 1.10

19. Air in occupied room is at 20°C DB and has a moisture content of

0.007376 kgv/kgia. When air at 20°C DB is fully saturated, it can hold
0.01475 kgv/kgda. Calculate the percent or degree of saturation of the room
air.
a) 56% b) 82%
c) 50% d) 46%

20. In problem #19, 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 the saturation ratio of water vapor in an air at 21°C DB and
10°C WB. Barometric pressure is 29 in Hg absolute and P t fa 21°C is
s

2.487 Kpaa and 1.2276 Kpaa, respectively.

a) 20% b) 15%
c) 25% d) 30%

22. The dry-bulb temperature of humid air is 35°C. What is the wet-bulb
depression in °F if the wet-bulb temperature is 18°C?
a) 17.6 -b) 30.6
c) 18.0 d) None of these

23. Determine the dew-point depression of the room air when the diy-bulb
and dew-point temperature is 69.8°F and 15°C, respectively.
a) 6°C b) 8°C
c) 5.8°C d) 7°F

51
 Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

24. Determine the capacity of the heater which heats 1.5 m,/s of moist air at
a state of 21°C DB and 15°C WB by 20°C if the enthalpy of entering air is
62.26 KJ/kg and the enthalpy of the leaving air is 4 1.94 KJ/kg. The specific
volume of entering air is 845 liters per kg.
a) 28.05 KW b) 54.25 KW
c) 36.075 KW d) 10.525 KW

25. Calculate the load on the cooler coil that cools 1.8 kg/s of moist air at a
state of 21°C DB, 15°C WB and 1 atm pressure by 5°C. The enthalpy of air
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/ sec b) zero
c) 0.0185 kg/ sec d) 0.0052 kg/sec

27. 2.5 m3/s of humid air at a state of 28°C DB, 21 WB and 101.325 Kpaa flow
across a cooler coil and leaves at 12.5°C DB and 0.0083 kg vapor per 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. 1.4 kg/sec of air at 33°C DB and 19°C WB is cooled and .humidified by
passing through an air washer in which water is continuously circulated.
The air leaves the air washer at 23°C DB. Determine the air moisture added
in kg/ sec if the specific humidity of air leaving and air entering the washer
is 0.0122 and 0.0081, respectively.
a) 0.005*4 b) 0.00385
c) 0.00853 d) 0.00835

30. Determine the bypass factor of air heating coils if the mean coil temperature
is 110°F and 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

0 070 -
0«0

NORMAL TEMPERATURES 0071 '

SI METRIC UNITS
Barometric Pressure 101 325 kPa
SEA LEVEL

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

Reproduced courtesy of Carrier Corporation

en
w
 Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

REFERENCES:

ASHRAE, Inc. 1999 ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems and Equipment, SI Edition.
ASHRAE, Inc., Atlanta, G.A.., 1999.

ASHRAE, Inc. 1996 ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems and 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. London: Edward Arnold, 1985.

Jordan, Richard C. and Priester, Gayle B. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 2nd Ed.
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1956.

Keenan, Joseph H., Keyes, Fredereck G., Hill, Philip G., and Moore, Joan G. Steam
Tables, SI Units. New York: John Wiley 8s Sons Publication, 1978.

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

Book Store, 1989.

Stoecker, Wilbert F. and Jones, Jerold W. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 2nd Ed.
New York: McGraw-Hill Company, 1982.

54

h.
 PSVCHROMETRV
OF RIR CONDITIONING
PROCESSES

INTRODUCTION

This lesson deals with the basic air conditioning processes such as sensible
heating, sensible cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, heating and humidifying,
cooling and dehumidifying, cooling and humidifying, heating and dehumidifying or
chemical dehumidifying, and the air mixing processes. Each process is discussed
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 and explain the eight basic air conditioning processes;

2. discuss the psychrometric processes of heating, mixing, cooling,
humidification and dehumidification;
3. draw the schematic and psychrometric diagrams of each process;
4. define and differentiate 'contact factor' and Tÿy-pass factor' of cooler coil,
air washer, and heater coil;

55

-*
Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

5. determine and calculate the capacity of air washer, cooling coil, and heater
battery using psychrometric chart and formulas;
6. plot and illustrate each process in the psychrometric chart; and
7. solve the problems provided at the end of the lesson.

A. BASIC AIR CONDITIONING PROCESSES

3 The basic processes in air conditioning are at practically constant pressure

and can be illustrated by lines on a psychrometric chart.

3 As shown in Figure 3.1 below, the basic air conditioning processes are
sensible cooling; sensible heating; humidifying; dehumidifying; heating and
humidifying; cooling and dehumidifying; cooling and humidifying; and
heating and dehumidifying or chemical dehumidifying.

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 and Dehumidifying
or Chemical Dehumidifying

56
 Psyclirometry of Air Conditioning Process

Air Conditioning Processes

1. Sensible Heating is an air conditioning process that involves heating

without changing the moisture content (humidity ratio) of air. The process
is represented by horizontal line 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
Air Entering Air Leaving

Heating
Medium In

Figure 3.2. Schematic Diagram, Sensible Heating

w. = w

Figure 3.3. Psychrometric Diagram, Sensible Heating

57
Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

Heater Capacity:

q = m (h2 - hj

Where q = the capacity of the heater, kW

m = Q, /Vi = 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

h, = enthalpy of air entering the heater, kJ/kg d.a.

h = enthalpy of air leaving the heater, kJ/kg d.a.

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

humidity ratio of the air. The 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
Air 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 Conditioning Process

Cooler Coil Capacity,

q= mfh, - h2) in kW or TR

Where, TR = Tons of Refrigeration

1TR = 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.
\ /\ /\
j J
1
:;V 1
Spray of Water

'' 1 1 1
' 1 1 1
' '
1
i

1
2

Figure 3. 6. Schematic Diagram, Humidifying

db, = db2
Figure 3. 7. Psychrometric Diagram, Humidifying

59
Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

Amount of moisture added:

mv = m(W2 - WJ in kg vapor per 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

Air Entering Air Leaving

Air Washer

Cooling Water Out

Figure 3.8. Schematic Diagram, Dehumidifying

Figure 3. 9. Psychrometric Diagram, Dehumidifying

Amount of moisture removed:

mv= mfWj-WJ

6o
 Psychrometry of Air Conditioning Process

5. Heating and Humidifying is a process of simultaneous heating and

humidifying of air by either drawing it through spray or over trays of hot or
warm water. The water must be heated during the process in order to
supply the latent heat needed for evaporation.

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

warm water

Hot Water In
-— *

Air Entering Air Leaving

• , , Spray
1 i of hot or ,
warm water , , , , '
1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1

Figure 3.10. Schematic Diagram, Heating and Humidifying

DB.2

Figure 3.11. Psychrometric Diagram, Heating and Humidifying

Amount of moisture added:

mv= m(W2- W,)

Amount of heat added:

q= m(h2- h,)

61
Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

6. Cooling and Dehumidifying is a process of simultaneous cooling and

dehumidifying of air passing through a cooling coil or air washer. The
actual process is difficult to show on a chart. It would depend on the type
of the equipment used. But in general this can 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 its dew-point temperature, thus condensing out moisture.
The final RH generally is higher than the initial RH.

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

air washer
Cooling
Water In

Y
Air Entering Air Leaving

ir Washer
Cooling
Water Out

Cooling
Medium Out

Cooler Coil
Air Entering Air Leaving

Cooling
Medium In

Figure 3.12. Schematic Diagram, Cooling and Dehumidifying

Figure 3.13. Psychrometric Diagram, Cooling and Dehumidifying

 Psychrometry of Air Conditioning Process

Amount of moisture removed:

mv = m(W, - W2)

Capacity of the cooler coil or air 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 and Humidifying is a process of simultaneous cooling and

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 humidifying without changing the wet-bulb temperature.

Adiabatic - means no heat is added or removed externally.

ÿ Saturation - implies adding moisture.

ÿ This is the action that takes place in an ordinaiy air washer in which
the same water is continuously recirculated, but is neither heated
nor 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. Then, after equilibrium is
established, the air will leave at the temperature of its WB, and the
recirculated water will be at the same temperature.

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

lines from the entering air condition to the saturation line or curve.

ÿ Evaporative Cooling is effective in hot dry climates when the cooler

humid condition is more desirable than the hot diy condition. It should

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Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

be recommended that the leaving WB temperature should not 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

Air Entering Air Leaving

N Air Washer
/ Cooling Water Out

Figure 3. 14. Schematic Diagram, Cooling and Humidifying

Figure 3.15. Psychrometric Chart, Cooling and Humidifying

8. Chemical Dehumidifying Process is a simultaneous heating and

dehumidifying process.

ÿ Air can be dehumidified by passing the air over a chemical that has
an affinity for moisture. Usually, in so doing, the moisture is condensed
and gives up its latent heat, raising the DB temperature of the air.
The air leaves drier but warmer. The WB temperature may increase or

64
 Psychrometry of Air Conditioning Process

decrease. Units employing such chemicals are used in some comfort

air-conditioning installations but normally for industrial air
conditioning.

i L

DB.1 DB2

Figure 3. 16. Chemical Dehumidifying

9. Air Mixing or Mixing Air

ÿ When air 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 the line joining the points indicating the original
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 quantities.

> Application: Mixing of outdoor air and recirculated air to be

supplied to an air conditioned space

Return Air

Mixture

Outdoor Air

Figure 3. 17. Schematic Diagram, Air Mixing

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Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

Figure 3.18. Psychrometric Chart, Air Mixing

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

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 = mi + 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
_ mÿj + m2h2
ny + m2

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 Psychrometry of Air Conditioning Process

Energy balance in terms of diy-bulb temperature:

m3DB3 = 111,08, + m2DB2

niiDB, + m2DB2
DB =
m, + m2

Energy balance in terms of dew-point temperature

™PP 3
= m,DP, + mPP,

mjDP, + m2DP,
dp3 =
m, + m2

B. ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

Ex. 3.1] Calculate the load on a heater battery which heats 1.5 m3/s of moist
air, initially at a state of 2 1°C DB, 15°C WB and 10 1.325 kPa barometric pressure,
by 20 degrees. If low pressure hot 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
WB, = 15°C Air Entering Air Leaving
ADB = 20°C
V, = 1.5 m3/s
t . = 85 °C
DB2 = 21 + 20
41°C=

wl
= temperature of hot water entering the heater battery
w2
= temperature of hot water leaving the heater battery

Required:

a. The heat load

b. The mass flow rate of heating water

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Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

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.

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

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

W2 = W,
a. Determination of the heat load

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

the humidity ratio

q = m(h2 - hj

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

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 Psychrometry ofAir Conditioning Process

b. For the mass flow rate of heating water

Let q =q
"
= mc (t-tj
'w w pw* wl w2'

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

heat absorbed by the air
mw = mass flow rate of heating water, kg/s
cpw = specific heat of water at constant pressure
= 4.187 kJ/kg-°C

Therefore,

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

Ex. 3.2] Determine the heat required to raise 0.50 m3/s of air at 10°C and 80%
RH to 32°C. What is the final relative humidity?

Given: Sensible Heating

Hot Water Out

DB, = 10°C
Heater Coi
RH, = 80% Air Entering Air Leaving
DB2 = 32°C
V. = 0.50 m3/s Hot Water In

Required:

The heat load and the final RH

w, = w2

10 °C 32 °C

Figure 3.b.

6t)
Guidebook in Air Conditioning Design and Analysis

Solution:

From the psychrometric chart,

at point 1: h 25.0 - 0.03 = 24.97 kj/kg d.a.

W, = 0.006 kg/kg d.a.
v, = 0.81 m3/kg d.a.

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

Solving for the heat load, q = m(h, - 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,

RH2 = 21%
Ex. 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 necessaiy to this cooling if flow and return temperatures of 10°C
and 15nC are satisfactory?

Given: A cooler coil

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

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