Psychrometric Chart Fundamentals and Its Application To HVAC Troubleshooting

PDHonline Course M226 (5 PDH)
Psychrometric Chart Fundamentals and

its application to HVAC Troubleshooting
Instructor: Timothy D. Blackburn, MBA, PE
2012
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Fairfax, VA 22030-6658
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www.PDHcenter.com PDH Course M226 www.PDHonline.org
Psychrometric Chart Fundamentals and its application to HVAC Troubleshooting
By: Timothy D. Blackburn, PE, MBA
Course Content
Introduction
If HVAC problems and challenges are to be properly diagnosed and designed, it is essential that
the Psychrometric chart and psychrometrics in general be clearly understood. This course will review the
essential elements of psychrometrics (the behavior of mixtures of air and water vapor under varying
conditions of heat) and the chart that represents it. With this knowledge, you will be able to understand
many of the HVAC challenges that are certain to arise, as well as anticipate problems before they occur
and incorporate in your design.
Like many self-study courses, you will only get as much from it as you put into it. Plot each step
on your own psychrometric chart. Be certain you understand the basics before studying the examples. Try
to solve the examples for yourself. This is not the type of course you can just read through and take the
Quiz – it will take effort. But if you do your best, you should be able to pass the Quiz with ease – whether
beginner or advanced.
Disclaimer – Nothing in this course should be considered consulting engineering for your specific
application – each situation requires individual analysis.
Definitions and Concepts
It is important to understand the primary concepts and definitions before we begin our study. For some
of you, this will be a refresher, and for others an introduction. There are other courses that cover the
fundamentals in more detail, but the following are the minimum essentials.
Page 1 of 38
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning
Psychrometrics –The behavior of mixtures of air and water vapor under varying conditions of heat
Enthalpy = Total heat in the air = Sensible plus Latent heat
Sensible Heat – Changes in temperature that do not alter the moisture content of air
Latent Heat – Related to level of moisture in the air
BTU (British Thermal Unit) – The amount of heat that must be added to or subtracted from a pound of
water at 60oF to affect a temperature change of 1oF
BTUH or BH – BTU’s per hour
MBH – 1000 BTUH
Ton
1 Ton equals the amount of heat needed to melt 1 ton of ice in one day
12,000 BTUH’s
Drybulb Temperature – The temperature reading given by a dry thermometer that gives a direct
indication as to the sensible heat content of air
Wetbulb Temperature – The temperature reading from a wetted bulb that gives a direct indication as to
the total heat content of air
Dew Point Temperature – Temperature at which air will begin to release moisture.
Relative Humidity (RH)
The actual amount of moisture in the air expressed as a percentage of the amount of moisture the air
is capable of holding.
More technically:
The amount of water vapor in the air divided by the amount of water vapor the air can hold (at
the same temperature and pressure.)
Page 2 of 38
The ratio of the air's vapor pressure to its saturation vapor pressure.
Example: An air sample that is at 50% RH is holding half the moisture it is capable of holding at the
same temperature (at dew point or saturated.)
RH is inversely relational to temperature for the same moisture level (grains of moisture per pound
of dry air) – warm air can hold more moisture
RH is what we sense
High RH: Sticking, mold
Low RH
Affects electronics, promotes static
Low RH air is seeking saturation, absorbing moisture wherever it can
Specific Humidity or Humidity Ratio
The weight of the water vapor in each pound of dry air
Typically grains of moisture/pound of dry air
Grain = 1/7000 pound

Density – Unit weight of dry air at a given temperature and moisture content, #/ft3

Specific Volume – Space occupied by dry air at a given temperature and moisture content (the
reciprocal of density), ft3/#
The Psychrometric Chart Template
Pause and print off the next page. Make multiple copies, as you will need them in the course. As noted
previously, if you are to benefit from the course, you must plot each step for yourself. There are no
shortcuts in learning this material. The smaller example charts are not intended for you to plot on, but
rather instruction – use a clean larger copy to plot each example.
Page 3 of 38
PSYCHRO M ETRIC CHART 70 75 80 85 90

300
Sea Level 1.9
BARO METRIC PRESSURE 29.921 inches of Mercury 290
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
95 240
55 W 90
ET
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 R 1.4
AT 210
U
HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

R 85
AIR
E
90 -°
F 200
DR Y
1.3
OF
45 190
85
VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY
ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR

ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
- °F
80
SPE
RE
ER
85 170
CIFIC
AT U
UP
40 1.1
- BT
PE R
80 160
VOL
80
T EM
PY
U
150 1
HA L
ME ft
75
ION
35 80
EN T
140
³/
RAT
lb OF
75 .9
U
130 75
SAT
DRY
120 .8
A
30 75
IR
70 70
110 70
9 0%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
%
65
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 % 30 55
25 20 IT Y 20
30 ID
20 H UM 25
-5 25 T IV E
10
15 RELA 20 .1
5 20 10% 10
0 15 10
-15 -10 -5 5 10 0
12.0
-25 -20 0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
Linric Company Psychrometric Chart, www.linric.com DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - °F
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 4 of 38
The Psychrometric Chart – an Overview
Before we proceed further in our study, let’s learn or refresh regarding the Psychrometric chart. The
following is a summary of the major elements on the chart. Do not continue to the next section until you
can find the following on the chart.
Constant Drybulb Temperature: Vertical Lines
Constant Dew Point and Humidity Ratio: Horizontal Lines
Constant Wetbulb temperature: Upward left sloping lines
Relative humidity: Curving lines (100% line is the saturation curve or correlates with Dew Point)
Constant specific volume, ft3/# of dry air: Nearly-vertical sloping lines
Enthalpy or total heat, BTU/pound of air: Staggered scale left of saturation curve and left sloping
lines
Humidity Ratio: Right hand scale, grains of moisture/pound of dry air
Saturation Curve: 100% RH Curve (or the point at which an air mixture can hold no additional
moisture at a given temperature); temperature on the curve is the Dew Point
The following is a chart with the above noted (note: this is a standard curve is at Sea Level).
Page 5 of 38
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART 70 75 80 85 90
300
Sea Level 1.9
Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE 29.921 inches of Mercury 290
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
1. Constant dry bulb temperature 250
1.6
2. Constant Dew Point and 55
95 240
90
W
Humidity Ratio ET
BU 230 1.5
LB
3. Constant wet bulb temperature 90
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
4. Relative humidity (100% line is 50 TU
RE 210
1.4

the saturation curve or Dew 85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
Point)
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
5. Constant specific volume, ft3/# 85

D
85
15.0
OUN
1.2
of dry air 180
°F
80
SPE
P
-
RE
ER
85 170
6. Enthalpy or total heat,
CIFIC
ATU
P 40 1.1
BTU
BTU/pound of air
PER
80 160
VO
80
Y-
TEM
LU M
7. Humidity ratio or grains of
ALP
150 1
4 75
E ft³/lb
ION
H
moisture per pound of dry air 6

35
8 80
ENT
140
RA T
75 .9
OF D
8. Saturation curve – 100%
U
130 75
SAT
RY A
humidity line or the point at 120 .8
30 75
which an air mixture can hold
IR
70 70
110
no additional moisture at a 70
6
90%
.7
given temperature; 70 100
65
temperature on the curve is 25
5 7
%
65
90
80
.6
the dewpoint 20
65 3 65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
2 60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 50 0%
5 4 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
30
0
30
35
40
1 30 35 .2
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30 MIDIT 25
-5 25 V E HU
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-10 -5 5 10
-25 -20 -15 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 6 of 38
Latent versus Sensible Changes
In the next graph, let’s look at changes in Latent versus Sensible changes. Latent changes move in
the “Y” axis (associated with moisture content changes), and Sensible changes move in the “X” axis
(associated with temperature but not moisture content changes.)
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Sensible versus 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
Latent: Sensible 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
changes are 50 TU
RE 210
1.4

85
AIR
-°
horizontal, and
90 F
Latent 200
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

Latent changes are
ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
°F
80
SPE
E-
PER
vertical 85 170
TUR
CIFIC
40 1.1
BTU
ERA
80 160
VOL
80
EMP
Y-
P
UME
150 1
HAL
75
ION
35 80
ft³/
EN T
140
T
lb OF
URA
75 .9
130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 Sensible 110 70
70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
80%
65
90 .6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30 MIDIT 25
-5 25 VE HU
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 7 of 38
Relationship of Dewpoint, RH, Wetbulb, and Drybulb
The following chart provides an example to determine Dewpoint, RH, Wetbulb, or Drybulb if only
two of the criteria are known. Drybulb is read with a typical thermometer. When I was in engineering
school, we determined Wetbulb by using a sling psychrometer. In it was a Drybulb, plus another
thermometer with a wet gauze. The Wetbulb reading was affected by the moisture content in the air; the
lower the air moisture content, the faster the gauze evaporated and the cooler the temperature reading.
Today, electronic instrumentation is generally used.
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
Relationship of 250
95
1.6
Dewpoint, RH, 55
95
W
ET
BU
240
90
230 1.5
Wetbulb, and 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
50 RA 1.4
Drybulb: Example: T UR
E
210

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
DRY
What is the Wet 1.3

OF
45 190
85

ND
85
bulb temperature of
15.0
180 1.2
OU
°F
80
SPE
P
E-
ER
85 170
70oF air at 50% RH?
UR
CIFIC
40
P
1.1
RAT
BTU
80 160
VOL
PE
80
Y-
TEM
UME
P
150 1
HAL
Answer: 58.43oF 75
ION
35 80
ft³/
ENT
140
RAT
lb OF
75 .9
U
130 75
SAT
DRY
What is the Dew 120

A
30 75 .8
IR
70 70
Point? (DP) 110 70

90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
50.53oF
.6
Answer: 20
65
65
%
WB
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
DP RH 60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 50 0%
5 4 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% 20
55
30 IDITY 25
-5
20
E HUM
15 25 LATIV 20 .1
10 20 10 % RE 10
0 5 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
Linric Company Psychrometric Chart, www.linric.com

DB DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - °F
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 8 of 38
Impact to Relative Humidity from Sensible Changes
The following chart illustrates the impact to Relative Humidity from changes in temperature (when
moisture content remains constant.) You will note that Temperature and Relative Humidity are inversely
relational – the higher the temperature, the lower the RH. The lower the temperature, the higher the RH.
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Sensible Changes: 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
Example: If we heat 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
70oF at 50% RH to 50 TU
RE 210
1.4

85
AIR
-°
90 F
90oF without adding

200
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

moisture, what is the
ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
°F
80
S
-
PEC
RE
PER
new RH? 85 170

ATU
40 1.1
IFIC
TU
PER
80 160
Y-B
VOL
80
TEM
P
UME
150 1
Answer: 25.98%
HAL
75
ION
35 80
ft³/lb
ENT
140
T
URA
75 .9
OF D
130 75
SAT
What if we cool to
RY A
30 75 120 .8
IR
70 70
55oF instead? 110 70

90%
.7
70 100
25 65
80%
65
90
Answer: 84.85% 20
65
.6
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30 MIDIT 25
-5 E HU
15 25 LATIV 20 .1
5
10 20 10 % RE 10
0 15 10
-10 -5 10
-25 -20 -15 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 9 of 38
Dehumidification
As we saw in the previous section, when the temperature cools the RH increases. What happens
when the RH is 100%? It rains. As cools, it eventually reaches its dewpoint and moisture begins to
appear. That is what happens when you have a glass of iced tea, and there is moisture on the outside – the
air in the immediate vicinity of the glass cools to the point it is fully saturated, and out comes moisture. In
the following example, we continue on with the previous example to examine what happens when we
continue to cool.
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Dehumidification: 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
In the previous 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
example, what 50 T UR
E
210
1.4

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
happens when I cool
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

below 50.53oF?

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
°F
80
SPE
P
E-
ER
85 170
UR
CIFIC
40
P
1.1
RAT
Answer: 50.53oF is
BTU
80 160
VOL
PE
80
Y-
TEM
ALP
UME
150 1
the Dew Point. 75

N
H
35 80
TIO
ft³/
ENT
140
lb OF
URA
75 .9
Cooling below that 130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
.8
point removes water 30
70
75
110 70
70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
80%
65
90 .6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30 MIDIT 25
-5 25 VE HU
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 10 of 38
Humidification
In the previous example, we learned that we can de-humidify the air by over cooling it. But to add
humidity we must have an external source of moisture. The following example illustrates that we can plot
the results of adding moisture on the Psychrometric chart.
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
Note: Steam 60 95 260
95
1.7
95
increases enthalpy 250

1.6
Humidification: At 55
95
maintaining W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
70oF and 50% RH, 90
temperature;
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
what is the new RH 50
evaporation
T UR
E
210
1.4

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
when we add 12
DRY
1.3
maintains enthalpy
OF
45 190
85

gr/lb of moisture?
ND
85
15.0
1.2
and lowers 180

POU
°F
80
S
-
PEC
RE
PER
85 170
ATU
40 1.1
temperature
IFIC
Answer: 60.81%
TU
PER
80 160
Y-B
VOL
80
TEM
P
UME
150 1
HAL
75
ION
35 80
ft³/lb
ENT
What is the new 140

T
URA
75 .9
OF D
130 75
SAT
DP?
RY A
30 75 120 .8
IR
70 70
110 70
55.86oF
90%
Answer: 25 65
70 100
.7
80%
65
90 .6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
Steam 60
55
.4
%
10
50
Evap.
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% 20
55
30 ITY 25
-5
20
E HUMID
15 25 LATIV 20 .1
5
10 20 10 % RE 10
0 15 10
-10 -5 10
-25 -20 -15 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 11 of 38
Enthalpy Changes
Enthalpy represents the total heat in the air, a summation of Sensible and Latent. Enthalpy is
measured in BTU/# dry air, and can be determined if you know at least two primary chart parameters. As
well, when you condition the air, there is a change in enthalpy that can be calculated. The following
example illustrates how Enthalpy changes can be calculated, as well as changes to enthalpy.
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Enthalpy Changes: 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
Example: What is 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
the change in 50 T UR
E
210
1.4

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
enthalpy when you
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

go from 70F/50%
ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
°F
80
S
-
PEC
RE
PER
RH to 80F/60% RH? 85 170

ATU
40 1.1
IFIC
TU
PER
80 160
Y-B
VOL
80
TEM
P
UME
150 1
Answer: 33.68-
HAL
75
ION
35 80
ft³/lb
ENT
140
T
URA
75 .9
25.33 = 8.35
OF D
130 75
SAT
RY A
120 .8
BTU/Lb Dry Air 30 75
IR
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
80%
65
90 .6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30 MIDIT 25
-5 E HU
15 25 LATIV 20 .1
5
10 20 10 % RE 10
0 15 10
-10 -5 10
-25 -20 -15 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 12 of 38
Heating Cycles
Heating cycles can be graphically illustrated on the chart. The following illustrates a typical
heating cycle of an HVAC system.
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Heating Cycle 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
Outside Air (1) is mixed with 90
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
room Return Air (2) and 50 T UR 210
1.4
E

85
results in Mixed Air (3).
AIR
-°
90 F
200
DRY
1.3
Mixed Air is heated up
OF
45 190
85

to (4). Humidity may be

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
°F
added to (5), the Supply SPE

80
P
-
RE
ER
85 CIFIC 170
ATU
Air or via space 40

P
1.1
BTU
PER
80 160
VOL
humidifiers. The room 80

Y-
TEM
ALP
UME
150 1
absorbs heat (and 75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/
ENT
140
T
lb OF
moisture with ventilation

URA
75 .9
130 75
SAT
DRY
or special process, etc.)

120
AIR
30 75 .8
resulting in Return Air 70 70
110 70
(2).
90%
.7
70 100
25 65 5 (SA)
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
2 (RA)
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
3 45(MA) 50 0%
50
5 4 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
35
45
30
% 4 (SA) 30
40
0 40 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% 20
55
30 ITY 25
-5
20 E HUMID
15 25 LATIV 20 .1
% RE
-5 0 5
10
10
15 1 (OA)
20 10 10 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 13 of 38
Cooling Cycle
Similar to the previous example, the Cooling Cycle can also be plotted on the Chart as follows.
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Cooling Cycle 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
Outside Air (1) is mixed with 90
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
room Return Air (2) and 50 TU
RE 210
1.4

85
results in Mixed Air (3).
AIR
-°
90 F
200
RY
1.3
Mixed Air is cooled and
D
OF
45 190
85

dehumidified to

ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
- °F
saturation to (4). The 80
SPE
URE
PER
85 170
CIFIC
room heat and moisture 40 1.1
RAT
BTU
80 160
VOL
PE
is transferred to to the 80
Y-
EM
ALP
U
150 1
ME ft
T
Return Air (2). 75

ION
H
35 80
ENT
140
³/
R AT
lb OF
75 .9
U
130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65 1 (OA)
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
3 (MA)
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5 4 (SA) 50 40
40
45 .3
DEW POINT - °F
35
40
45 230%(RA) 40
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 2 0% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 HUMID
-5 15 25 TIVE 20 .1
10 20 10% RELA
5 15 10 10
-5 0 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 14 of 38
Try it yourself! (A Pop Quiz)
(This isn’t the official course Quiz)
Now that you have reviewed (or learned) the basics of psychrometrics and the chart, give a try to
answer the following (Print off this page and the Chart at the beginning of the course; circle the best
answer):
For an air mixture of 74F and 45% RH, determine the following:
1.What is the dewpoint ?
a)51
b)41
c)65
2.What is the enthalpy?
a)11 BTU/# Dry Air
b)27 BTU/# Dry Air
c)31 BTU/# Dry Air
3.How many grains of moisture/# dry air?
a)33
b)40
c)56
4. What is the specific volume in cf/# dry air?
Page 15 of 38
a. 13.6
b. 11.2
c. 12.1
5.What is the wetbulb temperature?
a.50
b.60
c.74
Page 16 of 38
Pop Quiz Answers
The following are the correct answers: 1-a; 2-b; 3-c; 4-a; 5-b. How well did you do? If you
struggled with this, the following are the Charts that give a step-by-step illustration – compare it to your
chart.
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Step 1: Plot the 55

95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
conditions – pick a 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
point at 74oF DB 50 T UR
E
210
1.4

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
and 45% RH
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
°F
80
SPE
P
-
RE
ER
85 170
CIFIC
ATU
40
P
1.1
BTU
PER
80 160
VOL
80
Y-
TEM
ALP
UME
150 1
75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/
ENT
140
T
lb OF
URA
75 .9
130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 50 0%
5 4 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30 MIDIT 25
-5 E HU
15 25 LATIV 20 .1
5
10 20 10 % RE 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 17 of 38
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Step 2: Draw a 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
horizontal line. 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
50 RA 1.4
T UR 210
E

•Read Dewpoint on 85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
DRY
1.3
the left at the 100%
OF
45 190
85

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
°F
saturation curve, 80
SPE
P
-
RE
ER
85 170
CIFIC
ATU
P 40 1.1
51.34oF
BTU
PER
80 160
VOL
80
Y-
TEM
ALP
UME
150 1
75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/
ENT
•Read Humidity T 140
lb OF
URA
75 .9
130 75
SAT
DRY
Ratio on the right, 120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 70
56.37 grains/pound 110 70

90%
.7
70 100
of dry air 25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30 MIDIT 25
-5 E HU
15 25 LATIV 20 .1
5
10 20 10 % RE 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 18 of 38
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Step 3: Draw 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
diagonal lines and 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
read 50 T UR
E
210
1.4

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
RY
1.3
D
Enthalpy = 26.57
OF
45 190
85

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
°F
BTU/# dry air 80
SPE
P
E-
ER
85 170
CIFIC
ATU
P 40 1.1
BTU
PER
80 160
VOL
At the saturation 80
Y-
TEM
UME
ALP
150 1
75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/lb
ENT
curve Wet Bulb = 140

RAT
75 .9
OF D
U
130 75
SAT
60oF
R
Y AIR
30 75 120 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
80
90 .6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 UMID
-5 25 VE H
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-10 -5 5 10
-25 -20 -15 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 19 of 38
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Step 4: Draw a line 55

95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
parallel to the 90
LB
TE
M
PE 220
90
RA
specific volume = 50 TU
RE 210
1.4

85
AIR
-°
90 F
13.6 ft3/# dry air

200
RY
1.3
D
OF
45 190
85

ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
- °F
80
SPE
URE
PER
85 170
CIFIC
40 1.1
RAT
BTU
80 160
VOL
PE
80
Y-
EM
UME
ALP
150 1
T
75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/
ENT
R AT 140
lb OF
75 .9
U
130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 50 0%
5 4 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 2 0% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 UMID
-5 25 VE H
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 20 of 38
HVAC Troubleshooting Examples
Now lets consider some specific HVAC troubleshooting examples. Before looking at the charts
provided with the answers, try to plot the information yourself. If you don’t do this, you will not be able
to follow the examples. Some of the examples will be more challenging than others – if you don’t have a
HVAC background, you likely will struggle at some points. Don’t be overly alarmed. If you have a
strong grasp to this point, you are well on your way and passing the Quiz should be no problem. The goal
for the student is to be able to use the Psychrometric chart to solve virtually any HVAC problem/challenge
that involves air temperature/moisture issues.
HVAC Troubleshooting Example #1
You have a complaint of moisture condensing in a cooling chamber in a packaging line. You find you
need to cool the chamber to 40oF. The desired room temperature is 70oF.
A. What relative humidity in the space is needed?
Answer: To keep the condensation from occurring, keep the RH below 100% (say 90%) at the
cooling chamber temperature (40oF). Plot this condition, and draw a horizontal line that
intersects 70oF and read the RH, which is 30.15% (Note: This is very low and uncomfortable for
occupants – consider a local environment)
B. Answer: The lowest discharge temperature of the airhandler is 52oF. Can you satisfy the
conditions needed above?
No. Plot from 52oF and 90% RH horizontally to 70oF, and the minimum RH expected is 47.51%
>> 30.15% - condensation will occur. (To lower further would require more expensive systems.)
Page 21 of 38
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #1 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
TU
RE 210

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
RY
1.3
D
OF
45 190
85

ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
- °F
80
SPE
URE
PER
85 170
CIFIC
40 1.1
RAT
BTU
80 160
VOL
PE
80
Y-
EM
UME
ALP
150 1
T
75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/
ENT
R AT 140
lb OF
75 .9
U
130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 50 0%
5 4 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 2 0% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 UMID
-5 25 VE H
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 22 of 38
You would like to humidify a space that has a 100% outside air unit to 50% RH in the winter, and
would like to keep the discharge RH from exceeding 80% (ignoring any latent gains in the space).
However, you get frequent low humidity alarms in the winter. Why?
First, check to see if the Psychrometrics are possible.
Plot the conditions off the coil, 52oF discharge at 80%, and draw a horizontal line to 70oF. The
maximum RH possible is 42.23% << 50% - system will not reach conditions under some winter
outside air possibilities.
Note: It may be possible to raise the discharge temperature to absorb more moisture and/or raise
permitted RH after the coil.
Page 23 of 38
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #2 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
TU
RE 210

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
RY
1.3
D
OF
45 190
85

ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
- °F
80
SPE
URE
PER
85 170
CIFIC
40 1.1
RAT
BTU
80 160
VOL
PE
80
Y-
EM
UME
ALP
150 1
T
75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/
ENT
R AT 140
lb OF
75 .9
U
130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 50 0%
5 4 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 2 0% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 UMID
-5 25 VE H
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 24 of 38
On a day when outside air reached 80F/60RH, we noticed we were not maintaining space conditions.
Assume we need 52F discharge (saturated at 90% RH) to maintain space conditions with 10,000 cfm
supply air. We did not maintain space conditions that day. We installed a 25T chiller for the 100%
outside air unit. Why is the system not working?
To diagnose the problem, first check the loads. Enthalpy needing to be removed is 33.68-20.52 =
13.16 BTU/lb dry air
Calculate BTUH = cfm * 4.5 * (h1 – h2) = (10000)(4.5)(13.16) = 592,200 BTUH
To convert to Tons of cooling, = 592,200/12,000 = 49.35 Tons >25 – chiller was undersized.
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #3 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
T UR 210

E 85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
RY
1.3
D
OF
45 190
85

ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
- °F
80
S
PEC
RE
PER
85 170
U
40 1.1
IF
RAT
BTU
IC VO
80 160
E
80
EMP
Y-
L UM
P
150 1
HAL
75
E ft³/lb
ION
35 80
EN T
140
T
URA
75 .9
OF D
130 75
SAT
RY A
30 75 120 .8
IR
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 UMID
-5 25 VE H
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 25 of 38
You have an airhandler supplying 25,000 cfm. You bring in 5,000 cfm outside air (OA) and relieve the
same. You know you need to return 74F/50%RH air and have the supply 52F/80% RH to maintain
space conditions. However, you are getting space temperature alarms. The contractor provided a 800
MBH coil. What is the problem? What are possible solutions?
First, plot the conditions for the OA and RA to get the differences in enthalpy for both. Use outside
design day conditions of 95F DB/76F WB.
Calculate the load = (5000)(4.5)(39.37-19.62) + (20000)(4.5)(27.56-19.62) = 1158975 BTUH/1000
= 1159 MBH
The coil can only provide 800 MBH, which is under 1159 MBH on a design day
To solve this, increase coil capacity or decrease outside air if possible
Page 26 of 38
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #4 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
T UR 210

E 85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
RY
1.3
D
OF
45 190
85

ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
- °F
80
S
PEC
RE
PER
85 170
U
40 1.1
IF
RAT
BTU
IC VO
80 160
E
80
EMP
Y-
L UM
P
150 1
HAL
T
75
E ft³/lb
ION
35 80
EN T
140
T
URA
75 .9
OA
OF D
130 75
SAT
RY A
30 75 120 .8
IR
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
20
RA 65
.6
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 UMID
-5 25 VE H
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 27 of 38
For some reason, when outside conditions dropped to 30F/30%RH for the first time, an area fed by a
20,000 cfm 100% outside air unit went into alarm. The wintertime setpoint for RH in the space was
30% at 72F. The humidifier was designed to deliver 300 pounds of moisture per hour. What could the
problem be?
Plot the conditions and determine the grains of moisture/# dry air for both conditions. Then,
calculate the required amount of moisture.
Moisture needed = (g1-g2)*cfm*4.5/7000
Moisture needed = (34.96-7.23) g/# DA * 20000 cfm * 4.5
7000 G/#
=356 #/hour
Therefore, the humidifier is undersized (or slow down the fan/cfm if possible)
Page 28 of 38
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #5 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
TU
RE 210

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
°F
80
SPE
P
E-
ER
85 170
TUR
CIFIC
P 40 1.1
BTU
ERA
80 160
VOL
80
EMP
Y-
UME
P
150 1
HAL
T
75
ION
35 80
ft³/
EN T
T 140
lb OF
URA
75 .9
130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
80
90 .6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 50 0%
5 4 45 .3
Humidity Ratio =40 40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 %
35 30
0
30
40 34.96 30 35 .2
13.0
35 30
25 20% 20
55
30 IDITY 25
20 HUM
-5 15 25 TIVE 20 .1
RELA
0 5
10
15
20 10% Humidity Ratio 10 =10
-10 -5 10
-25 -20 -15 5 0
12.0
0
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150
7.23
155 160 165 170 175 180
-40
50
DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - °F
Linric Company Psychrometric Chart, www.linric.com
OA Space Setpoint
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 29 of 38
You have a “floating” discharge temperature from 52 to 60oF. Your design space conditions are
70/50%RH. Do you need to override the “floating” discharge to control upper humidity?
First, plot the conditions of the highest discharge temperature and space conditions.
Note that the moisture content at saturation for the discharge when at 60F is higher than the room
conditions. It must be lower to absorb moisture. Try It Yourself: Plot for yourself (not shown) the
Humidity Ratios. You will find that a lower Humidity Ratio is needed than the supply discharge
conditions can supply. Obviously, that means the RH will not be maintained as desired since there
will be too much moisture in the air coming into the room.
Therefore, an overriding dehumidification cycle is needed if space conditions are to be maintained.
(Note: In good practice, “floating” is typically based on outside air dew point and the above is
usually not a problem.)
Page 30 of 38
300
Sea Level 1.9

65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #6 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
TU
RE 210

85
IR
-°
90 F
A
200
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

ND
85
15.0
180 1.2
POU
°F
80
SPE
-
URE
PER
85 170
CIFIC
40 1.1
RAT
BTU
80 160
VOL
PE
80
Y-
EM
UME
P
150 1
HAL
NT
75
35 80
TIO
ft³/
ENT
140
lb OF
URA
75 .9
130 75
SAT
DRY
120
AIR
30 75 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 50 0%
5 4 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 2 0% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 UMID
-5 25 VE H
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 31 of 38
You design a production space to 72F/50%RH. After moving in, the operators wish to lower the
setpoint to 68F while maintaining the 50% RH in the summer. Is this a problem? What must be done?
First, plot the conditions of the original and desired conditions. Then draw a line to the 90%
saturation line and drop down to see what the new discharge temperature will be .
Clearly, the discharge temperature must be lowered if the RH is to be maintained. Can the system
handle this? Is the chilled water temperature low enough?
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #7 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
TU
RE 210

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
°F
80
SPE
P
-
RE
ER
85 170
CIFIC
ATU
40
P
1.1
BTU
PER
80 160
VOL
80
Y-
TEM
ALP
150 1
ME ft
75
ION
H
35 80
ENT
140
³/lb O
T
URA
75 .9
F DR
130 75
SAT
Y AIR
30 75 120 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
80
90 .6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30 MIDIT 25
-5 E HU
15 25 LATIV 20 .1
5
10 20 10 % RE 10
0 15 10
-5 10
-25 -20 -15 -10 5 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 32 of 38
You construct a room 20’ x 30’ at design conditions 70oF/50%RH and 2800 cfm supply air. After
washing the room with 100oF water, the operators do not dry it and there are humidity alarms. Assume
the evaporation rate is 0.075#/ft2/hr (this can be determined by tables not included herein). Are there
problems with the HVAC system?
First plot the conditions at 70oF/50%RH (Humidity Ratio = 54.68 gr/#).
Then calculate the new conditions by determining the new Humidity Ratio after evaporation (you
can consider it like the humidifier example earlier, where #/hr of moisture = (g1-g2)*cfm*4.5/7000)
Solve for the unknown “g.”
((g1 – 54.68)*2800*4.5)/(7000) = 0.075*30’*20’; solving for g1 = 79.7 gr/#
Plot the new condition from 79.7 gr/# to 70oF and determine the new RH which is 72.47%
resulting from the evaporation.
How long before the water evaporates away?
Based on evaporation rates alone, you can solve for the amount of evaporation per inch/hr, or
Time/inch = 62.4 #/ft3/(0.075 * 12) > 69 hours per inch, or over 4 hours for 1/16”
Actually much longer as water cools
What can we do to keep from having alarms/RH above 50%?
Quickly dry/squeegee the space as soon as possible.
Lower the discharge temperature. To determine how much is required, determine the required
moisture holding capacity of the discharge air. First, calculate the maximum Humidity Ratio
allowed, or
Humidity Ratio Allowed = (Max. HR allowed) – (amount to be absorbed) = 54.68-(79.7-54.68)
= 29.7gr/#
Page 33 of 38
Plot a line to the 90% saturation curve and draw line down to the DB temperature, which is
37.48oF, or the required discharge temperature. Note the line now slopes up to the new 70/50
setpoint that takes into account absorbing the evaporation. Likely, this will not be possible
without changing coils and/or the chilled water system.
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #8 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
TU
RE 210

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
DRY
1.3
OF
45 190
85

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
- °F
80
SPE
P
RE
ER
85 170
CIFIC
ATU
40
P
1.1
BTU
PER
80 160
VOL
80
Y-
TEM
ALP
UME
150 1
75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/lb
ENT
140
RAT
75 .9
OF D
U
130 75
SAT
R Y AIR
30 75 120 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
90
80
.6
20
65
g1 65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60
g2 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% Y 20
55
20 30
HU MIDIT 25
-5 15 25 ATIVE 20 .1
10 20 10 % REL 10
0 5 15 10
-10 -5 5 10
-25 -20 -15 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 34 of 38
A Stability Chamber (used in the Pharmaceutical industry to hold products at tightly controlled
temperature and humidity conditions) experienced a humidity excursion – the relative humidity
dropped below the setpoint of 40% to 36% RH. The conditions in the chamber are set for 25C/40%
RH. At the time of the excursion, the temperature also increased to 82F. What caused the drop – could
the humidifiers be malfunctioning?
Plot the conditions. Note that 25C = 77F.
Note that the rise in temperature required more capacity from humidifiers to reach same RH
setpoint.
Therefore, the problem was a result of change in temperature versus under-sized humidifier.
Page 35 of 38
300
Sea Level

1.9
65 10
0 280 1.8
270
16.0
17.0
95
60 1.7
95 260
95
250
1.6
Example #9 55
95
W
ET
240
90
BU 230 1.5
LB
TE
90 M 220
PE 90
50 RA 1.4
T UR 210
E

85
AIR
-°
90 F
200
RY
1.3
D
OF
45 190
85

D
85
15.0
OUN
180 1.2
°F
80
SPE
P
E-
ER
85 170
CIFIC
ATU
P 40 1.1
BTU
PER
80 160
VOL
80
Y-
TEM
UME
ALP
150 1
75
ION
H
35 80
ft³/lb
ENT
RAT 140
75 .9
OF D
U
130 75
SAT
R
Y AIR
30 75 120 .8
70 70
110 70
90%
.7
70 100
25 65
%
65
80
90 .6
20
65
65
%
14.0
60 80
70
60
15 .5
70
%
60
55 60
55
60 .4
%
10
50
50
55 60
50
50
45 %
5
50 40 45 .3
40
DEW POINT - °F
40
45 % 40
35 30
0 40 30 35 .2
30
13.0
35 30
25 20% 20
55
30 ITY 25
20 UMID
-5 25 VE H
15 ELATI 20 .1
5
10 20 10% R 10
0 15 10
-10 -5 5 10
-25 -20 -15 0
12.0
0
-40
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180
50
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 36 of 38
Using on-line data or software
You might have had difficulty getting the significant figures that the examples illustrated. That is
because I used software to determine the accurate values. It is often difficult to acquire the accuracy
needed by plotting on the chart. Software is available, often free online, to accurately calculate various
psychrometric conditions. This course utilized linric.com – a website providing all psychrometric tools.
Using such software, we can get more accurate data and at different altitudes above sea level. As well, it
avoids cumbersome conversions. However, the Psychrometric chart remains useful to understand
graphically the array of parameters. The following is an example screenshot.
Course Summary
This course presented an overview of the fundamentals of psychrometrics and use of the
psychrometric chart. Specific examples were provided for typical HVAC troubleshooting problems that
have occurred in the Instructor’s experience. It is essential that students have fundamental understanding
of the subject matter if they are to successfully design to avoid problems, as well as diagnose HVAC
problems when they occur.
Page 37 of 38
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Mr. Bill Weaver, PE, (Engineers Plus, Richmond, Viginia) for his assistance
in reviewing my math and content of a slide show that resulted in this course. I would also like to thank
Mr. Jim Judge, PE, Linric Company Owner, for the use of his version of the Psychrometric chart.
Page 38 of 38

Psychrometric Chart Fundamentals and Its Application To HVAC Troubleshooting

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Psychrometric Chart Fundamentals and Its Application To HVAC Troubleshooting

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PDHonline Course M226 (5 PDH)

Psychrometric Chart Fundamentals and

Instructor: Timothy D. Blackburn, MBA, PE

PDH Online | PDH Center

An Approved Continuing Education Provider

Psychrometric Chart Fundamentals and its application to HVAC Troubleshooting

By: Timothy D. Blackburn, PE, MBA

and incorporate in your design.

application – each situation requires individual analysis.

Definitions and Concepts

 HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning

 Enthalpy = Total heat in the air = Sensible plus Latent heat

 Latent Heat – Related to level of moisture in the air

water at 60oF to affect a temperature change of 1oF

 BTUH or BH – BTU’s per hour

 MBH – 1000 BTUH

indication as to the sensible heat content of air

the total heat content of air

 Relative Humidity (RH)

the same temperature and pressure.)

same temperature (at dew point or saturated.)

of dry air) – warm air can hold more moisture

 High RH: Sticking, mold

 Affects electronics, promotes static

 Low RH air is seeking saturation, absorbing moisture wherever it can

 Specific Humidity or Humidity Ratio

 The weight of the water vapor in each pound of dry air

 Typically grains of moisture/pound of dry air

 Grain = 1/7000 pound

reciprocal of density), ft3/#

The Psychrometric Chart Template

rather instruction – use a clean larger copy to plot each example.

PSYCHRO M ETRIC CHART 70 75 80 85 90

HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY

ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR

The Psychrometric Chart – an Overview

can find the following on the chart.

 Constant Drybulb Temperature: Vertical Lines

 Constant Dew Point and Humidity Ratio: Horizontal Lines

 Constant Wetbulb temperature: Upward left sloping lines

 Constant specific volume, ft3/# of dry air: Nearly-vertical sloping lines

 Humidity Ratio: Right hand scale, grains of moisture/pound of dry air

moisture at a given temperature); temperature on the curve is the Dew Point

Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY

ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR

moisture per pound of dry air 6

Latent versus Sensible Changes

(associated with temperature but not moisture content changes.)

Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY

ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR

Relationship of Dewpoint, RH, Wetbulb, and Drybulb

Today, electronic instrumentation is generally used.

Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

What is the Wet 1.3

VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY

ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR

What is the Dew 120

HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning

Enthalpy = Total heat in the air = Sensible plus Latent heat

Latent Heat – Related to level of moisture in the air

BTUH or BH – BTU’s per hour

MBH – 1000 BTUH

Relative Humidity (RH)

High RH: Sticking, mold

Affects electronics, promotes static

Low RH air is seeking saturation, absorbing moisture wherever it can

Specific Humidity or Humidity Ratio

The weight of the water vapor in each pound of dry air

Typically grains of moisture/pound of dry air

Grain = 1/7000 pound

Constant Drybulb Temperature: Vertical Lines

Constant Dew Point and Humidity Ratio: Horizontal Lines

Constant Wetbulb temperature: Upward left sloping lines

Constant specific volume, ft3/# of dry air: Nearly-vertical sloping lines

Humidity Ratio: Right hand scale, grains of moisture/pound of dry air