"Teamwork is the long word for success"

…Jacquelinemae A. Rudd

1
7
CHAPTER

Psychrometrics

Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, you will know:
1. Dry Bulb Temperature, Wet Bulb Temperature, Dew Point Temperature Properties of Moist Air
2. Development of Psychometric Chart
3. Basic psychometrics Processes, By-Pass Factor

Introduction
The science which investigates the thermal properties of moist air, considers the measurement and
control of the moisture content of air and studies the effects of atmospheric moisture on material
and human comfort may properly be termed ‘Psychrometrics’.

Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT): It is the normal temperature of air measured by an ordinary
thermometer.

Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT): It is the temperature measured by a thermometer when its bulb is
covered by a wet wick.

Dew Point Temperature

 Suppose a mixture of air-water vapour which is not saturated is cooled at constant pressure the
partial pressure of water vapour remains constant till it is equal to the saturation pressure of
water. With continued cooling, the water vapour begins to condense. The constant pressure
cooling of a mixture is represented on a T-S diagram.
T

Saturation
Point

DBT
WBT
DPT

S
DPT is the temperature recorded by the thermometer when the water vapour (moisture) begins
to condense.

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 Psychrometrics

 If a mixture of air-water vapour is cooled at constant pressure, the temperature at which water
vapour begins to condense is called the “Dew point temperature”.
 At dew point the partial pressure of water vapour in the mixture is equal to the saturation
pressure of water.
 The composition of air-water vapour mixture is usually specified in terms of specific humidity or
relative humidity.
Note:
1. For saturated air DBT = WBT = DPT
2. For unsaturated air DBT > WBT > DPT

Specific Humidity: Specific humidity (S.H.) or humidity ratio is defined as the ratio of mass of water
vapour to the mass of dry air in the mixture.
SH = mw /ma = 0.622 (Pw /Pa ) = 0.622 (Pw /(P − Pw )
Where, mw , ma = Mass of water vapour and dry air, respectively
Pw , Pa = Partial pressure of water vapour and air in the mixture, respectively
P = Total pressure
Note:
As atmospheric pressure, P is almost constant therefore SH is a function of partial pressure of
vapour.

Relative Humidity: Relative humidity (R.H.) is defined as the ratio of the partial pressure of the
water vapour in the mixture to the saturation pressure (Ps ) of water at the mixture temperature.
R. H. = Pw /Ps

Adiabatic Saturation: Consider the steady flow of an unsaturated air-water vapour mixture through
an insulated device as shown in figure. called adiabatic saturator. Assume the equilibrium is
attained between the water and air-water vapour mixture in the device and hence saturated air-
water vapour leaves the device.
Saturated Air – Water
1 3
Unsaturated Air – Water Vapour Mixture
Vapour Mixture ma3 , mw3 , T3 , SH3
ma3 , mw1 , T1 , SH1

Liquid Water

Consider the device as control volume and apply material and energy balances to get
Mass balance of air: ma1 = ma3
Mass balance for water: mw1 + mw2 = mw3
Energy balance: ma1 ha1 + mw1 h1 + mw2 h2 = ma3 ha3 + mw3 h3
These equations can be solved to obtain
(ha3 − ha1 ) + SH3 (h3 − h2 )
SH1 =
(h1 − h2 )
Where,
ma = Mass flow rate of dry air; mw = Mass flow rate of water vapour / water
ha = Specific enthalpy of dry air; h = Specific enthalpy of water vapour / water

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 Psychrometrics

Subscripts 1, 2, 3 denote the conditions at the points shown in fig. If air is treated as an ideal gas, we
can write (ha3 − ha1 ) = Cp (T3 − T1 ). Assume that liquid water enters the device at the same
temperature as the air leaving the device. That is T2 = T3
Then, h3 − h2 = (hg − hf )3 = (hfg )3 and h1 − h2 = hg1 − hf2
Thus,
Cp (T3 − T1 ) + SH3 (hfg )3
SH1 =
hg1 − hf2
 The specific humidity and relative humidity of an air-water vapour mixture can be measured
with an adiabatic saturator.
 For all practical purposes, the adiabatic saturation temperature (T3) does not depend upon the
temperature at which liquid water enters the device
 The adiabatic saturation temperature (T3) does not depend upon the temperature at which
liquid water enters the device
 The adiabatic saturation temperature (T3) depends only on the conditions (T1 , SH1) of the
entering air

Psychrometer: Psychrometer is an instrument to measure the wet bulb and dry bulb temperature
(TDB) of an air-water vapour mixture. This instrument uses the principle of adiabatic saturation. The
specific humidity and relative humidity of air-water vapour mixture can be determined with
knowledge of dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures (TWB)
 The dry-bulb temperature is the temperature of the mixture, when it is not affected by moisture
 The wet-bulb temperature is the temperature of the saturated air-water vapour mixture, when
moisture effect is also considered.
 The adiabatic saturation temperature is governed by the equilibrium between the two phases
and is a property of the system
 The wet bulb temperature depends on the rates of energy transfer, mass transfer, air velocity and
other factors and hence depends on the type of instrument used to measure it.
 For air-water vapour mixtures, the wet bulb temperature is found to be approximately equal to
the adiabatic saturation temperature

Psychrometric Chart:
 A graphical representation of the solution of the adiabatic saturation relation is called
psychrometric chart
 The enthalpy of air-water vapour mixture is expressed on the basis of dry air and is given by
h = ha + SHh
That is h represents the enthalpy of 1 kg dry air and the enthalpy of the accompanying water
vapour.
 In the psychrometric chart, the enthalpies of air and water vapour are measured with reference
to 0o C. Some psychrometric charts use 0 o F as reference state for air and 32℃ as reference state
for water vapour
 The adiabatic saturation relation when expressed in terms of enthalpy reduces to h1 = h3 . That is
during adiabatic saturation h remains constant
 The lines of constant h coincide with the lines of constant wet bulb temperature, because h3
depends on T3 = (= TWB) only. Once T3 is specified Pw is fixed because Pw = P3 and hence SH3 is
fixed

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 Psychrometrics

Applications of Psychrometry
The field of air conditioning uses various processes such as heating, cooling, humidification and
adiabatic mixing of air-water vapour mixtures. These processes can be easily analysed with the help
of a psychrometric chart.

Adiabatic Mixing of Streams: Consider the steady flow of steams 1 and 2 into the adiabatic mixer
shown in figure. The mixture leaves the device as stream 3. Considering the device as a control
volume, one can write the following material and energy balance equations
Mass balance for air: ṁa1 + ṁa2 = ṁa3
Mass balance for water: ṁa1 (SH1 ) + ṁa2 (SH2 ) = ṁa3 (SH3 )
Energy balance: ma1 h1 + ma2 h2 = ma3 h3
These equations can be solved to obtain
ṁa1 (SH2 ) − (SH3 ) h2 − h3
= =
ṁa2 (SH3 ) − (SH1 ) h3 − h1
The adiabatic mixing process is shown in figure.
h2

ṁa1 , SH1
Adiabatic SH2
ṁa2 , SH2 ṁa3 , SH3
Mixer

Specific Humidity
h3
Control R. H.
Volume
h1
SH3

SH1

Dry Bulb Temperature (℃)

Dehumidification: If a mixture of air-water vapour is cooled at constant pressure, the specific

humidity of the mixture does not undergo any change till the dew point temperature is reached, but
its relative humidity increases. Further cooling results in condensation of water vapour and the
specific humidity decreases. A schematic diagram of a dehumidifier is shown in figure.
Refrigerant Heating Coil

Humid Air Dehumidified Air

1 2
4

Condensed
Water 3
Cooling Unit Heating Unit

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 Psychrometrics

 Dehumidification of air-water vapour mixture can be achieved by cooling the mixture below its
dew point temperature, allowing some water to condense and then reheating the mixture to the
desired temperature.
 For cooling the mixture, chilled water can be sprayed into the mixture or the mixture can be
made to pass over cooling coils through which a cold refrigerant is circulated.
 The dehumidification process is represented on a psychrometric chart in figure. below.
h1

Specific Humidity (SH) kgH2 O/kg dry

SH1

h4
RH1

air
RH2
h2

2 4
SH4

23℃ 41℃
Dry Bulb 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩(℃)

Humidification with Cooling: If an unsaturated air-water vapour mixture is made to flow through
porous pads soaked in water, the mixture gets saturated. Since the process occurs without any
energy exchange as heat with the surroundings, it is adiabatic. The energy required for the
evapouration of water comes from air-water vapour mixture resulting in a decrease in its
temperature.
 The process of humidification with cooling is extensively used in evapourative coolers or desert
coolers which are used for cooling homes in hot and dry climates
 The rate at which water is evapourated in the evapourative cooler is given by
ṁw = ṁa (SH2 − SH1 )
where, SH1 and SH2 denote the specific humidity of air-water vapour mixture at the inlet and
outlet of the cooler, respectively
 A schematic diagram of an evapourative cooler is shown in figure. And the process of
humidification with cooling is shown on a psychrometric chart.
Water, ṁw

Dry Air ṁ0 SH1 Cool and Humid Air; SH2

Porous Pad

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 Psychrometrics

2 SH2
1 SH1

Specific Humidity
T2 T1
Dry Bulb Temperature(℃)

Degree of Saturation: The water vapour in exists at the dry bulb temperature, T of the mixture and
partial pressure, Pv . Consider now that more water vapour is added in this Control volume, V at
temperature, T itself. The partial pressure, Pv will go on increasing with the addition of water vapour
until it reaches a value ps corresponding to state 2, after which it cannot increase further as Ps is the
saturation pressure or maximum possible pressure of water at temperature, T. The thermodynamic
state of water vapour is now saturated at point 2. The air containing moisture in such a state is
called saturated air.
Ps
Pv

3 2 1
T
Saturated Water
Vapour in Saturated Super Heated Water Vapor
Td Air in Unsaturated Air

In this state the air is holding the maximum amount of water vapour (the specific humidity being ωs ,
corresponding to the partial pressure Ps ) at temperature, T of the mixture. The maximum possible
specific humidity, ωs at temperature T is thus
ωs = 0.622 [Ps /(P − Ps )]
The ratio of the actual specific humidity, Ps to the specific humidity, ωs of saturated air at
temperature, T is termed as the degree of saturation denoted by the symbol μ. Thus
ω Pv 1 − Ps /P
μ= = [ ]
ωs Ps 1 − Pv /P

Relative Humidity: Relative humidity denoted by the symbol ϕ or R.H. is defined as the ratio of the
mass of water vapour, mv in a certain volume of moist air at a given temperature mass of water
vapour, mvs in the same volume of saturated air at the same temperature. Thus if Vv and Vs are the
specific volumes of water vapour in the actual moist air and saturated air respectively at temperate,
T and in volume, at points 1 and 2 respectively

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 Psychrometrics

mv Pv V/RT Pv
ϕ= = =
mvs Ps V/RT Ps
V/Vv Vs
Also, ϕ = =
V/Vs Vv
Using the perfect-gas relationship between points 1 and 2,
P1 V1 = P2 V2 or Pv Vv = Ps Vs
We have
ϕ = Pv /Ps = Vs /Vv
It can be shown that
ω = 0.622ϕ (Ps /Pa ) …………①
ϕ = (ω/0.622) / (Pa /Ps ) …………②
From equation 1 and 2 we get
ϕ = μ/[1 − ((1 − μ)Ps ⁄P)]

Enthalpy of Moist Air: The enthalpy of moist air, h is equal to the sum of the enthalpies of dry air and
associated water vapour, i.e. (h = ha + ω hv ) per kg of dry air, where, ha is the enthalpy of the dry
air part and ωhv is the enthalpy of the water vapour part. ha = Cpa T = (1.005 T) kJ/kg
PV
T

C A B

TD F
g

0o C G 0o C
Reference State
S

Again taking the reference state enthalpy as zero for saturated liquid at 0℃, the enthalpy of the
water vapour part, via. At point A is expressed as
hv = hA = CpW TD + (hfg )D + Cpv (T − TD )
Where, CpW = Specific heat of liquid water, TD = Dew point temperature
(hfg )D = Latent heat of vapourization at DTP, Cpv = Specific heat of superheated vapour
Taking the specific heat of liquid water as 4.1868 kJ/kg K) and that of water vapour as 1.88 kJ/kg K
in the range 0 to 60℃, we have
hv = 4.1868 TD + (hfg )D + 1.88 (T − TD )
Accordingly, enthalpy of water vapour at A, at DPT of TD and DBT of T, can be determined more
conveniently by the following two methods:
i) hA = hC = (hg )T
ii) hA = hB = (hg ) at 0℃ + Cpv (T − 0)
Thus, employing the second expression and taking the latent heat of vapourization of water at 0℃ as
2501 kJ/kg, we obtain the following empirical expression for the enthalpy of the water vapour part
hv = 2501 + 1.88 T
h = 1.005 T + ω(2500 + 1.88 T)

Humid Specific Heat

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 Psychrometrics

 h = (CPa + ωCPv )T + ω (hfg )0℃

= Cp T + ω (hfg )
0℃
Where Cp = CPa + ωCPv
= (1.005 + 1.88 ω kJ/kg d.a. K
 Humid specific heat is the specific heat of moist air (1 + ω) kg per kg of dry air. The term Cp T
governs the change in enthalpy of moist air with temperature at constant specific humidity, and
the term ω (hfg ) 0℃ governs the change in enthalpy with the change in specific humidity, i.e. due
to the addition or removal of water vapour in air.
 Since the second term 1.88 ω is very small compared to the first term 1.005, an approximated
value of Cp of 1.0216 kJ/kg d.a. K may be taken for all practical purposes in air-conditioning
calculations.

Thermodynamic Wet Bulb Temperature or Temperature of Adiabatic Saturation:

 For any state of unsaturated moist air, there exists a temperature T ∗ at which the air becomes
adiabatically saturated by the evapouration of water into air, at exactly the same temperature T ∗
 The leaving air is saturated at temperature T ∗. The specific humidity is correspondingly
increased to ω*. The enthalpy is increased from a given initial value h to the value H ∗ . The weight
of water added per kg of dry air is ω∗ − ω which adds energy to the moist air of amount equal to
ω∗ − ωhf ∗, where hf * is the specific enthalpy of the injected water at T ∗.
Adiabatic
Enclosure
Inlet Outlet Air
T, ω,Air
h
T*, ω*, h*

T*
hf
*
Feed Water = (ω* − ω) per kg of Dry Air

Therefore, since the process is strictly adiabatic, we have by energy balance

h + (ω∗ − ω)h∗f = h∗
T ∗ = T − (h∗fg /Cp ) (ω∗ − ω)
 Let us compare the expressions for the wet bulb temperature T ∗ and the temperature of
adiabatic saturation T ∗, i.e.
T ∗ = T − (k ω /fg ) h∗fg (ω∗ − ω)
T ∗ = T − (h∗fg /Cp ) (ω∗ − ω)
It follows that if k ω /fg = (1/Cp )
Or fg /k ω Cp = Le = 1 = (α/D)2/3
Then T = T ∗ i.e. the two temperatures are equal. The dimensionless quantity fg /k ω CP is called
the Lewis number. The air and water vapour mixture at low pressures, this number is
approximately equal to unity (Le = 0.945).
 The measurable wet bulb temperature is equal to the thermodynamic wet bulb temperature.
 For any other kind of gas and vapour mixture these would not be the same.
 In the case of air and water vapour mixture, the two temperatures are exactly the same.

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 Psychrometrics

Mixing with Condensation: When large quantity of cold air mixes with a quantity of warmer air at a
high relative humidity, there is a possibility of condensation of water vapour, the mixture will then
consist of saturated air and the condensate.

ωf , 1
Adiabatic Mixer 4

ωC , 3

4 ω4
3 ω3

ω2
2

If the DBT of the mixture falls below 0℃, the condensate may eventually freeze.
If may be noted that due to condensation, the specific humidity of the mixture ω4 , will be reduced to
below ω3 . Correspondingly, the temperature of the air would be increased to T4 from T3 due to the
release of the latent heat of the condensate. Now, if ωc represents the mass of the condensate per
unit mass of the mixture, we have by moisture and energy balance
ωc = ω3 − ω4 or ω4 = [(ma1 ω1 + ma2 ω2 )/(ma1 + ma2 )] − ωc
and ma4 h4 + ma4 hf4 = ma4 h3
or h4 = [(ma1 h1 + ma2 h2 )⁄(ma1 + ma2 )]ωc hf4
Where, hf4 is the enthalpy of the condensate at temperature T4 of the mixture. The two variables to
be solved are T4 and ωc . By assuming different values of T4 and substituting for ω4 , h4 and hf4 , the
two equations can be solved by trial and error to obtain he final state after mixing.

Sensible Heat Process-Heating or Cooling

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 Psychrometrics

hB
hA

D B ω
A

TD TA TB
T

Q s = ma (hB − hA )
= ma CP (TB − TA ) = ma CPa (TB − TA ) + ma ω CPv (TB − TA )
= ma (1.005 + 1.88ω)(TB − TA )
Where, CP is the humid specific heat. This heat, denoted by the subscript S, is called the sensible
heat. If a building to be air conditioned r receives or loses heat due to transmission or other reasons,
it is supposed to have sensible heat load.

 ma denotes the mass flow rate of dry air. Generally the flow rate of dry air is measured in terms
of cubic meters of air per minute. Then the mass flow rate of dry air can be calculated from
ma = Q v ρ
where Q v is the volume flow rate of air. Expressing this in cmm, we have
ma = ρ/60
For the purpose of calculation, standard air is taken at 20℃ and 50 percent R.H. The density of
standard air is approximated to 1.2 kg/m3 d.a. The value of humid specific heat is taken as
1.0216 kJ/ (kg d.a.) K. we obtain

 Q s = [(1.2)(1.0216)/ 60] ΔT = 0.0204 ∆T

Latent Heat Process-Humidification or Dehumidification

 When the state of air is altered along the T = constant line, such as BC moisture in the form of
vapour has to be transferred to change the humidity ratio of the air.

 This transfer of moisture is given by G = ma (ωc − ωB )

Because of this change in the humidity ratio, there is also a change in enthalpy of the air given by
(hC − hB). In air-conditioning practice this change in enthalpy due to the change in the humidity
ratio is considered to cause a latent-heat transfer
Given by Q L = ma (hC − hB )

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 Psychrometrics

hC

hB

ω
C ωC

ωB
B

T = TB − Tc
T
= ma (Cp TC + hfg ωC ) − (CP TB + hfg ωB )
= ma hfg (ωC − ωB )
= Ghfg = 2500 G

 If the building gains or loses moisture, it is supposed to have a latent-heat load. A gain of
moisture will require the condensation of moisture for the dehumidification of air in the
conditioning apparatus, and hence a cooling load. On the other hand, a loss of moisture will
necessitate the evapouration of water for the humidification of air in the apparatus and hence a
heating load.
Q L = [(1.2)(2501)/ 60] ∆ω
= 50 ∆ω, kW

Total Heat Process

 The change in temperature causes a sensible heat load given by
Q s = ma (hB − hA ) = ma CP (TC − TA )
The change in the humidity ratio causes a moisture transfer given by
G = ma (ωC − ωA )
And a latent heat load given by
Q L = ma (hC − hB ) = ma hfg + (ωC − ωA )
Q = Q s + Q L = ma (hC − hA )
= ma [ CP (TC − TA ) + hfg (ωC − ωA )]
Again, expressing the mass flow rate in, we get
Q = [(1.2)/ 60] ∆h
= 0.02 ∆h,
Which is the same as
Q = (0.0204 ∆T + 50 ∆ω)

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 Psychrometrics

Sensible Heat Factor (SHF): The ratio of the sensible heat transfer to the total heat transfer is termed
as the sensible heat factor. Thus SHF = Q S /(Q S + Q L ) = Q S /Q
SHF = [(hB − hA )/(hB − hA ) + (hC − hB )] = hB − hA /(hC − hA )
= [0.0204 ∆T / 0.0204∆T + 50 ∆ω] = (0.0204 ∆T/0.02∆h)
The process line AC is called the sensible heat factor line or process or condition line.
A zero SHF line is vertical on the psychrometric chart and implies no sensible heat transfer. An SHF
of 0.75 to 0.8 is quite common in air conditioning practice in a normal dry climate. A lower value of
SHF, such as 0.65, implies a high latent head load, which is quite common
1 1
SHF = =
1 + 2451 (∆ω/∆T) 1 + tan θ
Where, tan θ = ∆ω / ∆T
We see tan θ is the slope of the SHF line AC on the Psychrometric chart, which is purely a function of
SHF

hC
∆h
hB

(1 – SHF)
hA
SHF
C
B ∆𝛚

θ
A
TA TC
∆T

Solved Examples
Example 1
The air supplied to a room of a building in winter is to be at 17℃ and have a relative
humidity of 60%. If the barometric pressure is 1.01325 bar, find (i) The specific humidity
(ii) The dew point under these conditions?
Solution:
Dry blub temperature, TDB = 17℃
Relative humidity, ϕ = 60%
Barometric or total pressure, PT = 1.01325 bar
Specific humidity, W
Corresponding to 17℃, from steam tables,
Pvs = 0.0194 bar ← (Provide the table)
PV
Also, ϕ =
Pvs
Pv
i. e. , 0.6 =
0.0194
∴ PV = 0.6 × 0.0194 = 0.01164 bar

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 Psychrometrics

0.622 PV 0.622 × 0.01164

Specific humidity, W = =
PT − PV 1.01325 − 0.01164
= 0.00723 kJ/kg of dry air
Dew point temperature, TDP
If the air is cooled at constant pressure the vapour will begin to condense at the
saturation temperature corresponding to 0.01164 bar. By interpolation from steam
tables, the dew point temperature, TDP is then
0.01164 − 0.01150
TDP = 9 + (10 − 9) × ( ) = 9.18℃
0.01230 − 0.01150

Example 2
0.004 kg of water vapour per kg of atmospheric air is removed and temperature of air
after removing the water vapour becomes 20℃. Determine.
(i) Relative humidity
(ii) Dew point temperature.
Assume that condition of atmospheric air is 30℃ and 55% R.H. and pressure is 1.0132 bar.
Solution:
Corresponding to 30℃, from steam tables, Pvs = 0.0425 bar
P
∴ Relative humidity (R.H.), ϕ = P V
vs
PV
i. e. , 0.55 =
0.0425
∴ PV = 0.02337 bar.
Also the specific humidity,
0.622 PV 0.622 × 0.02337
W= = = 0.01468 kg⁄kg of dry air
PT − PV 1.0132 − 0.02337
The specific humidity after removing 0.004 kg of water vapour becomes,
0.01468 – 0.004 = 0.01068 kg/kg of dry air
and the temperature TDB is given as 20℃.
The partial pressure of water vapour, PV , at this condition can be calculated as follows:
0.622 PV
W=
PT − PV
0.622 PV
0.01068 =
1.0132 − PV
0.01068 (1.0131 − PV ) = 0.622 PV
0.01082 − 0.01068 PV = 0.622 PV
0.6327 PV = 0.01082
∴ PV = 0.0171 bar
Corresponding to 20℃, from steam tables, Pvs = 0.0234 bar
P 0.0171
(i) Relative humidity, ϕ = P V = 0.0234 = 0.73 or 73%
vs
(ii) Dew point temperature, TDP :
Corresponding to 0.0171 bar, from steam tables TDP = 15℃

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 Psychrometrics

Example 3
One kg of air at 35℃ DBT and 60% R.H. is mixed with 2 kg of air at 20℃ DBT and 13℃
dew-point temperature. Calculate the specific humidity of the mixture.
Solution:
For the air at 30℃ DBT and 60% R.H.
Corresponding to 35℃, from steam tables,
PVS = 0.0563 bar
PV
Relative humidity, ϕ =
Pvs
∴ PV = ϕ Pvs = 0.6 × 0.0563 = 0.0338 bar
0.622 PV 0.622 × 0.0338
W= = = 0.0214 kg⁄kg of dry air
PT − PV 1.0132 − 0.0338
Corresponding to 0.0338 bar, from steam tables,
(0.0338 − 0.0336)
TDP = 26 + (27 − 26) = 26.1℃
(0.0356 − 0.0336)
Enthalpy, h = CP TDB + Whvapour
= 1.005 TDB + W [hg + 1.88 (TDB − TDP )]
= 1.005 × 35 + 0.0214 [2565.3 + 1.88 (35 − 26.1)]
= 90.43 kJ/kg of dry air
For the air at 20℃ DBT and 13℃ dew-point temperature
PV is the vapour pressure corresponding to the saturation pressure of steam at 13℃.
∴ PV = 0.0150 bar
0.622 PV 0.622 × 0.015
W= = = 0.00935 kg⁄kg of dry air
PT − PV 1.0132 − 0.015
Enthalpy, h = CP TDB + Whvapour
⇒ 1.005 × 20 + 0.00935 [hg + 1.88 (TDB − TDP )]
= 20.1 + 0.00935 [2538.1 + 1.88 (20 − 13)]
= 43.95 kJ/kg of dry air
Now enthalpy per kg of moist air
1 90.43 43.95 × 2
⇒ [ + ] = 58.54 kJ⁄kg of moist air
3 1.0214 1.00935
Mass of vapour/kg of moist air
1 0.0214 0.00935 × 2
⇒ [ + ] = 0.01316 kg⁄kg of moist air
3 1.0214 1.00935
Specific humidity of mixture
0.01316
⇒ = 0.01333 kg⁄kg of dry air
1 − 0.01316

Example 4
90 m3 of air per minute at 20℃ and 75% R.H. is heated until its temperature becomes
30℃. Calculate,
(i) R.H. of heated air
(ii) Heat added to air per minute
Solution:
For air at 20℃ and 75% R.H.
PVS = 0.0234 bar (from steam tables, at 20℃)

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 Psychrometrics

PV = ϕ × Pvs = 0.75 × 0.0234 = 0.01755 bar

(0.01755 − 0.017)
TDP = 15 + (16 − 15) ≃ 15.5℃
(0.0182 − 0.017)
0.622 PV 0.622 × 0.01755
W1 = = = 0.0109 kg⁄kg of dry air
PT − PV 1.0132 − 0.01755
Enthalpy, h1 = CP TDP + Whvapour
= 1.005 × 20 + 0.0109 [hg + 1.88 (TDB − TDP )]
= 1.005 × 20 + 0.0109 [2538.1 + 1.88 (20 − 15.5)] = 47.85 kJ⁄kg of dry air
(i) Relative humidity of heated air
For air at 30℃ DBT
Since the saturation pressure of water vapour at 30℃ is higher than the saturation
pressure of water vapour at 20℃ so it is sensible heating where PV is same after
heating.
PV 0.01755
∴ Relative humidity, ϕ = = = 0.412 or 41.2%
Pvs 0.0425
(Pvs = 0.0425 bar, corresponding to 30℃)
i.e., Relative humidity of heated air = 41.2%
(ii) Heat added to air per minute
Enthalpy, h2 = CP TDB + Whvapour
⇒ 1.005 × 30 + 0.0109 × [hg + 1.88 (TDB − TDP )]
= 1.005 × 30 + 0.0109 [2556.3 + 1.88 (30 − 15.5)]
= 58.31 kJ/kg of dry air
Mass of dry air in 90 m3 of air supplied
PV (PT − PV )V
ma = =
RT RT
(1.0132 − 0.01755) × 105 × 90
= = 106.5 kg⁄min
287 × (273 + 20)
Amount of heat added per minute
⇒ 106.5 (h2 − h1 ) = 106.5 (58.31 − 47.85) ≃ 1114 kJ

Example 5
40 m3 of air at 35℃ DBT and 50% R.H. is cooled to 25℃ DBT maintaining its specific
humidity constant. Determine:
(i) Relative humidity (R.H.) of cooled air
(ii) Heat removed from air.
Solution:
For air at 35℃ DBT and 50% R.H
Pvs = 0.0563 bar (At 35℃, from steam tables)
PV
ϕ=
Pvs
∴ PV = ϕ × Pvs = 0.5 × 0.0563 = 0.02815 bar
0.622 PV 0.622 × 0.02815
W1 = = = 0.0177 kg⁄kg of dry air
PT − PV 1.0132 − 0.02815
h1 = CP TDB1 + W1 [hg1 + 1.88 (TDB,1 − TDP,1 ]
TDP,1 ≃ 23℃ (Corresponding to 0.02815 bar)
∴ h1 = 1.005 × 35 + 0.0177 [2565.3 + 1.88 (35 − 23)] = 80.98 kJ/kg of dry air

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 Psychrometrics

For air at 25℃ DBT

Since the specific humidity remains constant the vapour pressure in the air remains
constant.
PV 0.02815
ϕ= = = 0.888 or 88.8%
Pvs 0.0317
i.e., Relative humidity of the cooled air = 88.8%
h2 = CP TDB,2 + W2 [hg2 + 1.88 (TDB,2 − TDP,2 )]
= 1.005 × 25 + 0.0177 [2547.2 + 1.88 (25 − 23)]
= 70.27 kJ/kg of dry air.
∵ W1 = W2 = 0.0177 kg⁄kg of dry air
[ ]
TDP,2 = TDP,1 = 23℃ since PV does not change
To find mass of dry air (ma ), using the relation
Pa Va = ma R a Ta
Pa Va (1.0132 − 0.02815) × 105 × 40
∴ ma = = = 44.57 kg
R a Ta 287 × (273 + 35)
∴ Heat removed from 40 m3 of air
⇒ ma (h1 − h2 ) = 44.57 (80.98 − 70.27) = 477.3 kJ

Example 6
120 m3 of air per minute at 35℃ DBT and 50% relative humidity is cooled to 20℃ DBT by
passing through a cooling coil.
Determine the following:
(i) Relative humidity of out coming air and its wet bulb temperature.
(ii) Capacity of cooling coil in tonnes of refrigeration.
(iii) Amount of water vapour removed per hour.
Solution:
For the air at 35℃ DBT and 50% R.H.
Pvs = 0.0563 bar (At 35℃, from steam tables)
PV = ϕ × Pvs = 0.5 × 0.0563 = 0.02815 bar
0.622 PV 0.622 × 0.02815
W1 = = = 0.0177 kg⁄kg of dry air
PT − PV 1.0132 − 0.02815
h1 = CP TDB,1 + W1 [hg1 + 1.88 (TDB,1 − TDP,1 )]
TDP,1 ≈23℃ (Corresponding to 0.02815 bar)
∴ h1 = 1.005 × 35 + 0.0177 [2565.3 + 1.88(35 − 23)] = 80.98 kJ/kg of dry air
For the air at 20℃
As the saturation vapour pressure at 20℃ is 0.0234 bar, less than the vapour pressure
0.02815 bar at 35℃, so that condensation takes place and air will be saturated at 20℃.
(i) ∴ Relative humidity of exit air is 100%.
Since the air is saturated, wet bulb temperature is equal to dry bulb temperature = 20℃
∴ PV = Pvs = 0.0234 bar
0.622 PV 0.622 × 0.0234
W2 = = = 0.0147 kg⁄kg of dry air
PT − PV (1.0132 − 0.0234)
h2 = CP TDB,2 + W2 [hg2 + 1.88 (TDB,2 − TDP,2 ]
= 1.005 × 20 + 0.0147 [2538.1 + 1.88 (20 − 20)]
[∵ When air is saturated TDB = TDP ]

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 Psychrometrics

= 57.43 kJ/kg of dry air

The weight of water vapour removed per kg of dry air
= 0.0177 − 0.0147 = 0.003 kg/kg of dry air
Heat removed per kg of dry air
= h1 − h2 = 80.98 − 57.41 = 23.57 kJ/kg of dry air
Mass of dry air passing per minute
Pa Va (1.0132 − 0.02815) × 105 × 120
ma = = = 133.7 kg⁄min
R a Ta 287 × (35 + 273)
(ii) Capacity of the cooling coil in tonnes of refrigeration
ma (h1 − h2 ) 133.7 × 23.57 × 60
∴ = = 13.5 TR
14000 14000
(iii) Amount of water removed per hour
⇒ ma (W1 − W2 ) × 60
= 133.7 (0.0177 − 0.0147) × 60 = 24.066 kg/h.

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