Derivation of the Nine Major HVAC Constants

Bill Greco Trident3 page 1 of 62-16-07w2gre@verizon.net

Introduction

On a Daily basis the following nine numbers 500, 3960, 6356, 1.08, 0.68, 4.45, 4005 1096 and 12,000are used by HVAC engineers and designers as constants in their calculations. The importance of having acomplete understanding of how these constants are constructed cannot be over stressed. If any calculationsare outside of normal operating ranges with regard to temperature, pressure, specific volume or othervariables that make up these constants, the resulting calculations will be in error. Adjustments in theconstants value are often required, however many HVAC professionals fail to make those changes.

Another reason for knowing how these “constants” were established is that our calculations could becalled into question by someone from another discipline. If for instance someone asks “Why are you usingthe number 1.08 in this equation ?” we need a better expalanation than “Because we always use thatnumber”.

Definition of a Constant

The definition of a constant is:1.A number that is part of an algebraic expression.2.An expression represented literally, not having a specific numerical value for example: If A isproportional to B, then A / B is a constant. This is also known as a dimensionless number ora literal constant.3.A quantity that is regarded as fixed and unchanging for the purpose of a particular calculation.4. A specific invariant whose properties and relationships are unaltered by mathematical transformationof coordinates.Examples of this are pi and e.(e = The base of the natural logarithms.)5.The value of a specific physical quantity that is determined by the laws of nature and the choice of units.

Categorization of Constants

Constants are categorized as follows:

Absolute constants – Such that the numerical value is fixed and unchanging.( This only occurs in mathematics and not in the physical world. )Conditional constants – All physical quantities that are determined by the laws of nature areconditional. No fixed values exist in nature.Example: The speed of light can be altered by conditions.Logical constants – Connectives of a given system of logic.Examples- If....Then....Not....Or.Literal constants – As discussed above in the second definition.The nine major HVAC constants are conditional constants. The fact that these nine numbers areconditional is very important. If a calculation is being made that is not within average physical variantswhich are outside of the normal HVAC boundaries such as temperature, humidity level, elevation abovesea level, or other parameters, the relationship of specific heat or specific volume quantities could causean error on the entire calculation.If abnormal conditions are encountered it then becomes critical that the constant be recalculated. Anexample of such a situation is the calculation of a process involving high temperature air and high pressures. Another example is an HVAC calculation being required for a space that is at a higher thannormal elevation.

 

Derivation of the Nine Major HVAC Constants

Bill Greco w2gre@verizon.netpage 2 of 62-16-07The 500 Constant is used in the calculation of Gallons per minute (GPM) as it relates to BTUH anddelta temperature ( Delta temperature = discharge water temperature minus entering water temperature).The 500 constant is simply derived as :8.34 pounds per gallon of water x 60 minutes per hour = 500The 8.34 pounds per gallon of water occurs at 54 degrees F.The 3960 constant is used in the calculation of pump horsepower.Where:BHP = Brake HorsepowerGPM = Gallons per minuteTDH = Total Dynamic Head, feetSP_GRAV = Specific Gravity of the fluid being pumpedPump_Eff = Pump Efficiency expressed as a decimal, less than unity (1<)The 3960 constant is derived by :Normally rounded off to 3960.Where:33,000 = Foot pounds per minute per horsepower.8.34 pounds per gallon of water, the 8.34 pounds per gallon of water occurs at 54 degrees F.The 6356 constant is used in the calculation of air or fan horsepower.Where:BHP = Brake HorsepowerCFM = Cubic Feet (of specified gas) Per MinuteSP_inwg = Static Pressure, inches of water gageGas_Sp_Grav = Specific gravity of gas being transported by fanFan_Eff = Combined efficiency of motor and fan and driveThe 6356 constant is derived in the following way:Water weighs 62.30 pounds per cubic foot at 70 degrees F.33,000 foot pounds / horsepower / per minutewhere: 12 = inches per foot and 33,000 = foot pounds/minute/horsepower

500Constant3960Constant6356Constant

 

Derivation of the Nine Major HVAC Constants

Bill Grecow2gre@verizon.netpage 3 of 62-16-07The 1.08 constant is used in the calculation of CFM in relation to sensible heat and delta temperatureswhen expressed in BTUH and degrees Fahrenheit.Where:CFM = Cubic feet per minute of air being deliveredBTUH_Sens

= BTU’s per hour of sensible heatDelta_T = Temperature difference in degrees F.The 1.08 constant is derived the following way:Where:0.243 = Specific heat of moist air at standard conditions60 = minutes per hour 13.5 = Specific volume of air in cubic feet per pound at 69 degrees F. and 50% RH at sea levelA note about the 0.243 used as a specific heat constant.The specific heat of moist air at constant pressure (Cpa) is defined as the heat required to raiseone pound (mass) of air one degree F. at a constant pressure.And : Cpa = Cpd + (w Cps)Where:Cpa = Specific heat of moist air, Cps= Specific heat of saturated air, Cpd= Specific heat of dry air w=ratio of dry air to saturated air lb/lbIt has been substantiated that the Cpd for a temperature range of 0 to 100 Deg F can be taken to be0.240 btu/lb : deg F, the specific heat of moist air = 0.444, and the average for w = 0.0075 lb/lbtherefore: Cpa = 0.240 + (0.0075 x 0.444) = 0.243 Btu/lb:degF.The 0.68 constant is used in the calculation of BTU’s per hour ( BTUH ) of latent heat.Where:BTUH_Latent = BTU’s per hour of latent heatCFM_OA = Cubic feet per minute of outside air W_RM = Room or space moisture contentW_OA = Outside air moisture contentThe 0.68 constant is derived the following way:Where:1076 = BTU’s required to condense one pound of water from room air 60 = 60 minutes per hour 13.5 = Specific volume of air in cubic feet per pound at 69 degrees F. and 50% RH at sea level7000 = Grains per pound of water 

 

1.08Constant0.68Constant