An Introduction to

PSYCHROMETRICS

1
 Definition
The science that involves the properties of moist
air and the process in which the temperature
and/or water vapor content of the mixture are
changed
“Understanding Psychrometrics”

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 Psychrometric Chart
• Graphic representation of the property interrelationships of mixtures
of air and water vapor “Understanding Psychrometrics”
• Used to solve process problems with moist air
– Heating & Cooling
– Humidification & Dehumidification
• Chart Availability:
– Temperature
• Normal 32° to 120°F
• Low Temp ‐40° to 50°F
• High Temp 60° to 250°F
– Barometric or Atmospheric Pressure
• At sea level: 29.921 inches of mercury
• 5000 ft and 7500 ft altitude

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4
 Elements of Psych Chart
• Dry‐Bulb Temperature (DB)
• Wet‐Bulb Temperature (WB)
• Relative Humidity (RH)
• Humidity Ratio (W or G)
• Dew‐Point Temperature (DP)
• Specific Enthalpy (h)
• Specific Volume (v)

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 Dry‐Bulb Temperature (°F)
• Air temperature measured by an ordinary
thermometer
• Easiest psychrometric property to measure

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 7
40°F 50°F 60°F 70°F 80°F 90°F 100°F 110°F 120°F
 Wet‐Bulb Temperature (°F)
• Temperature of evaporation
• Measured with a wet wick in air stream

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 90°F

80°F

70°F

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30°F 40°F 50°F 60°F
 Relative Humidity (%)
• The ratio between the mass of water vapor
present and the maximum mass of water vapor
that can be contained at the same DB
temperature

• %RH = moisture the air is holding

moisture the air can hold

• As the DB temp increases, the amount of

moisture the air can hold increases
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100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

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 Humidity Ratio (lbwater / lbair)
• Ratio of mass of water vapor to the mass of
dry air
• Moisture content
• Also referenced as Grains
– 7000 Grains = 1 lb water
– Conversion for simplification: W x 7000

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0.028

0.024

0.020

0.016

0.012

0.008

0.004

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 Dew Point Temperature (°F)
• Surface temperature at which condensation
occurs
• Surrounding air conditions relative to a
surface

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 80°F

70°F

60°F

50°F

40°F

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 Enthalpy (BTU/lbair)
• Convenient Sum of the two components of
the energy balance equation:
Enthalpy = internal energy + flow‐work energy

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 55 60
50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

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 Specific Volume (ft3/lbair)
• Volume per unit mass

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19
Given two pieces of
Information, a point can be
located and other properties Wet Bulb
Humidity Ratio
for that point can be
Dew Point
determined Enthalpy
Room conditions: Specific Volume
75˚F and 50% RH
28.2 BTU/lbair
62.8°F
55°F 0.0094 lbwater/lbair

50%

13.68 ft3/lbair
75°F
 Movement on Psych Chart
• Vertical Movement = Change in moisture
– Down: Dehumidify (remove moisture)
• Decrease W (lbwater/lbair )
– Up: Humidify (add moisture)
• Increase W (lbwater/lbair )
– Latent
• Horizontal Movement = Change in temperature
– Left: Cool
• Decrease DB (°F)
– Right: Heat
• Increase DB (°F)
– Sensible
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 Humidify

Cool Heat

Dehumidify

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 Latent Change

Sensible Change

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 Movement on Psych Chart (cont.)
• Combination of direction more common
• Typical cooling process:
– Decreases the air temperature (satisfy thermostat)
and removes moisture (condensate)
– Movement on chart: left and down

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 Humidify

Cool Heat

AC Process

Dehumidify

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 Application in Design Process
• Can determine:
– Design delivery air temperature
– CFM
– Coil load (cooling)
– Coil performance line
• Issues with oversizing a system
– Quantity of condensate (cooling)

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 Example – OA and Room
• Plot known air state points
– Outside air (Atlanta, GA)
– Room air conditions

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 74°F

OA (Atlanta)

Room

50%

75°F 91.5°F 28
 Example – SA Volume (CFM)
• Based on sensible load only
qs= 1.1 CFM (ΔT)
• qs= 69,980 BTUh
• 1.1 constant
– Standard conditions (dry air @ 68°F, 14.7 psia)
• ΔT
– Difference between room entering and leaving air
temperature
– Room leaving = 75°F
– Room entering = ?

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 Example – RSHR
• Room Sensible Heat Ratio (RSHR)
RSHR = qs/qt
• Space:
– Sensible Load (qs) 69,980 BTUh
– Latent Load (ql) 32,240 BTUh
– Total Load (qt) 102,220 BTUh

RSHR = 69,980/102,220 = 0.68

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 OA (Atlanta)

Room

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 OA (Atlanta)

SH Factor Line

Room

32
 OA (Atlanta)

SH Factor Line

Room

44˚F 74˚F 33
 Example – SA Volume
• qs= 1.10 CFM (ΔT)

• If using 44°F (nearly saturated)

CFM = 69,980 BTUh /[1.10(75‐44)]
= 2,050
• If using 74°F (nearly t‐stat set point)
CFM = 69,980 BTUh/[1.10(75‐74)]
= 63,620

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 Example – SA Volume (cont.)
SA Temp = 44°F SA Temp = 74°F
• CFM = 2,050 • CFM = 63,620
• Smaller duct size • Larger duct size
• Easier coordination • More plenum space
• Smaller fan size • Larger fan size
• Equipment with capacity to • Potentially greater choice in
reach this temp equipment options

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 Example – SA Temp

100% RH

SA CFM = 69,980/[1.10(75-47)]
90% RH CFM = 2,270

47°F
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 Example – SA Temp

100% RH

SA CFM = 69,980/[1.10(75-55)]
CFM = 3,180
78%
90% RH

55°F
37
 Example – SA Temp

SA
100% RH

CFM = 69,980/[1.10(75-55)]
CFM = 3,180
90% RH

55°F Primary Design Criteria: Temperature

Relative Humidity = 58% > 50%
 Example – SA Temp

SA
100% RH

CFM = 69,980/[1.10(75-55)]
CFM = 3,180
90% RH

55°F Primary Design Criteria: Humidity

Temperature = 81°F > 75°F
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 Example – Unit Capacity
• Space loads and airflow to condition the space
calculated
• Size the unit coils
• Room Load ≠ Coil Load because of the
introduction of OA at the unit

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 Example – Unit Graphic

RA
1510 CFM Space
qs = 69,980 BTUh
SA ql = 32,240 BTUh
MA qt = 102,220 BTUh
3180 CFM
OA 55/90%RH
1670 CFM 75˚F/ 58%RH
91.5/74 UNIT
Q

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 Equations
Room Load Coil Load
Sensible Sensible
qs= 1.10 CFM (ΔT) Qs= 1.10 CFM (ΔT)
Latent Latent
ql= 4840 CFM (ΔW) Ql= 4840 CFM (ΔW)
Total Total
qt= qs + ql or qt= 4.5 CFM (Δh) Qt= Qs + Ql or Qt= 4.5 CFM (Δh)

Room entering and leaving Coil entering and leaving

conditions conditions

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 Example – Mixed Air
• Mixed Air: Combines OA and RA
• MA = [CFMOA(TOA)+CFMRA(TRA)]/CFMSA
= [1670(91.5°F)+1510(75°F)]/3180
= 83.7°F
RA
1510CFM
75˚F/ 58%RH

MA
OA
1670 CFM
91.5/74 UNIT
Q 43
 OA (Atlanta)
Unit Ent
RA
MA
Coil Ent
SA
Room Ent
Coil Lvg
83.7˚F 44
 OA (Atlanta)
W=0.0124
Unit Ent
Coil Ent

Coil Lvg W=0.0084

83.7˚F 45
 Example – Coil Load
Qs = 1.10 CFM (Tcoil ent – Tcoil lvg)
= 1.10 (3180) (83.7°F – 55°F)
= 100,395 BTUh
Ql = 4840 CFM (Wcoil ent – Wcoil lvg)
= 4840 (3180) (0.0124‐0.0084)
= 61,565 BTUh
Qt = Qs + Ql
= 161,960 BTUh
Convert to Tons:
161,960 BTUh / (12,000 BTUh/Ton)= 13.5 Tons
46
 OA (Atlanta)

RA
MA

SA

47
 OA (Atlanta)

Coil Ent

Coil Lvg

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 Example – Dew Point
• Condensate on exterior of duct?
• A beverage in a 80°F / 50% RH room

Content: 110°F Content: 35°F

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 Draw Coil performance Curve

80°F/50%RH
60°F DP

Content Below 60°F Content Above 60°F

= Condensation = No Condensation

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 Example – Condensate
• Quantity of moisture removed from air stream
• GPM = CFM x 1/V x ΔW x 0.12 gallon/lbwater

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 OA (Atlanta)
W=0.0124
Unit Ent
Coil Ent

Coil Lvg W=0.0084

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 Example – Condensate
• Quantity of moisture removed from air stream
GPM = CFM x 1/V x ΔW x 0.12 gal/lbwater
CFM = 3180 ft 3/min
V = 13.15 ft 3/lb air
ΔW = (0.0124– 0.0084) lb water/lb air
= 0.004 lb water/lb air
GPM = 3180 x 1/13.15 x 0.004 x 0.12
= 0.116
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 Example – Heating Coil

RA
1510 CFM Space
qt = 11,698 BTUh
SA
70˚F
MA 3180 CFM
OA 90˚F
1670 CFM
20.7˚F UNIT
Q

54
 Example – Heating Coil
QHTG= 1.10 CFM (Tcoil ent – Tcoil lvg)

MA = [CFMOA(TOA)+CFMRA(TRA)]/CFMSA
= [1670(20.7°F)+1510(70°F)]/3180
= 44°F

QHTG= 1.10 (3180) (90‐44)

= 160,908 BTUh = 160.9 MBH

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 Heating Coil
• Why 90˚F entering room temp?

Heating Space Load: qHTG = 12,678 BTUh

qHTG = 1.1 CFM (Troom ent – Troom lvg )
12,678 BTUh = 1.1 (3180) (Troom ent – 70)
Troom ent = 73.6˚F

Coil Load:
QHTG= 1.10 (3180) (73.6‐44)
= 112,985 BTUh = 113 MBH

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 Heating Coil
• What air flow for 90˚F entering room temp?

Heating Space Load: qHTG = 12,678 BTUh

qHTG = 1.1 CFM (Troom ent – Troom lvg )

12,678 BTUh = 1.1 (CFM) (90 – 70)
CFM = 577

This is not possible since it less than the

minimum ventilation airflow rate.
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 Duct and Fan Heat Gain
• Prior system example was kept simple
• HVAC systems experience heat gain and loss in
the distribution system
– Duct heat gain or loss
– Fan heat gain

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 Example – Duct Heat Gain/Loss

RA

+/- 3˚F
Space
50% SA 75˚F/ 58%RH
MA
55/90%RH
OA
91.5/74
UNIT
Q

59
 OA (Atlanta)

Coil Lvg

60
 +3˚F
MA
Unit Entering

MA=0.5(78˚F) + 0.5(91.5˚F)= 84.8˚F

78˚F 91.5˚F
 Example – Fan Heat Gain

RA

+/- 3˚F
Space
50% SA 75˚F/ 58%RH
MA +3˚F
55/90%RH
OA 85˚F
91.5/74
UNIT
Q

62
 MA
Coil
Entering
Unit
Entering
 Effect on Sizing
• No change to CFM delivered to the space
– Space loads remained constant
– Space entering and leaving temperatures unaffected

RA

+/- 3˚F
Space
50% SA 75˚F/ 58%RH
MA +3˚F
OA 85˚F 55/90%RH
91.5/74
UNIT
Q
 Equations
Room Load Coil Load
Sensible Sensible
qs= 1.10 CFM (ΔT) Qs= 1.10 CFM (ΔT)
Latent Latent
ql= 4840 CFM (ΔW) Ql= 4840 CFM (ΔW)
Total Total
qt= qs + ql or qt= 4.5 CFM (Δh) Qt= Qs + Ql or Qt= 4.5 CFM (Δh)

Room entering and leaving Coil entering and leaving

conditions conditions

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 Effect on Sizing
• Increase the coil cooling load
– Increased MA temperature
– Increased coil entering conditions

RA

+/- 3˚F
Space
50% SA 75˚F/ 58%RH
MA +3˚F
OA 85˚F 55/90%RH
91.5/74
UNIT
Q
 Evaporative Cooling
Evap effect = (EAT db‐EAT wb) x efficiency
Both direct and indirect evap cooling
ASHRAE Weather Table

ASHRAE Handbook – Fundamentals

68
 Indirect Evaporative Cooling
• Sensible cooling only – no contact with water
• LAT = EAT db – Evap effect
• Evap effect = (EAT db – EAT wb) x efficiency
• Evap effect = (86.5 – 76.2) x 0.45 = 4.6˚F

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OA (Atlanta)

70
 Direct Evaporative Cooling
Constant Wet Bulb Process
Evaporative media efficiency
LAT = EAT db – Evap effect
Evap effect = (EAT db – EAT wb) x efficiency
Evap effect = (86.5 – 76.2) x 0.85 = 8.8˚F
LAT = 86.5 – 8.8 = 77.7˚F
LAT = 77.7/76.2
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OA (Atlanta)

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 Evaporative
• Use both indirect and direct together to get
the greatest effect

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 3 1

1 Start: 86.5 db/76.2 wb

2 OA (Atlanta)
Indirect
(86.5 ‐ 76.2) x 0.45 = 4.6˚F
86.5 ‐ 4.6 = 81.9˚F
2 81.9 db/74.6 wb
Direct
(81.9 ‐ 74.6) x 0.85 = 6.2˚F
81.9 ‐ 6.2 = 75.7˚F
3 Final: 75.7 db/74.6 wb

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 Indirect Evaporative Cooling
• Change location to a dry climate:
Las Vegas, NV (94.7/71.2)

• Evap effect = (EAT db – EAT wb) x efficiency

• Evap effect = (94.7 – 71.2) x 0.45 = 10.6˚F

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 3
1 Start: 94.7 db/71.2 wb
Indirect 1
(94.7 ‐ 71.2) x 0.45 = 10.6˚F
94.7 – 10.6 = 84.1˚F 2 OA (Las Vegas)
2 84.1 db/69.2 wb
Direct
(84.1 – 69.2) x 0.85 = 12.7˚F
84.1 – 12.7 = 71.4˚F
3 Final: 71.4 db/69.2 wb

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Questions?

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