6.

AIR-CONDITIONING PROCESSES
An air-conditioning (AC) system consists of a series of processes to
simultaneously control its TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, distribution and cleanliness
– to meet the comfort requirements of the occupants.
AC PROCESSES
AIR PROPERTIES
Sensible cooling & heating,
Physical parameters,
humidification & de-
humidity, enthalpy &
humidification, adiabatic
temperature
mixing

AIR
PHYSICAL
PARAMETERS
Dry air, a Vapour, v Vapour, v
Dry air, a
Specific heat at
1.005 kJ/kg.oC = 1.82 kJ/kg. oC Total air pressure,
constant pressure, Cp

Air can be physically divided into dry

Behaves as an ideal Behaves as an ideal
air and vapour portions. Ideal Gas assumption gas at temp between gas at low vapour
0oC to 50oC pressure,
Dry air portion far larger and dictates Pv < 12.3 kPa
the macro properties of air.
𝑃 𝑎 . 𝑉 =𝑚 𝑎 . 𝑅𝑎 . 𝑇 𝑃 𝑣 .𝑉 =𝑚𝑣 . 𝑅 𝑣 . 𝑇
The vapour content can drastically
change and influences the immediate 𝑘𝐽 𝑘𝐽
𝑅𝑎 =0.287 . 𝑅𝑣 =0.462
air temperature. 𝑘𝑔 . 𝐾 𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
 6.1 AIR PROPERTIES
HUMIDITY ENTHALPY

SPECIFIC HUMIDITY, ω Total enthalpy of air,

A measurement on the amount of

vapour in 1 kg of dry air Enthalpy of dry air,
T in degree Celcius
𝑚𝑣 𝑘𝑔𝑣
𝜔=
𝑚𝑎 𝑘𝑔𝑎
Enthalpy of vapour, Enthalpy of vapour, Alternative approach to
𝑃 𝑣 .𝑉 / 𝑅 𝑣 . 𝑇   𝑃 𝑣 / 𝑅𝑣
𝜔= = obtain vapour enthalpy
𝑃 𝑎 .𝑉 / 𝑅 𝑎 . 𝑇   𝑃 𝑎 / 𝑅𝑎
𝑃𝑣 Refer saturated water
𝜔= 0.622 Temperature Table
𝑃𝑎
(Table A4)
RELATIVE HUMIDITY, φ
Total enthalpy of air,
A vapour ratio between the actual
vapour content and maximum h=𝐶 𝑝 ,𝑎 . 𝑇 +𝜔 . ( h 𝑔@ 0 𝐶 +𝐶 𝑝, 𝑣 𝑇   )❑
𝑜
possible vapour content This equation is applied to

𝑚𝑣 h=1.005 . 𝑇 +𝜔 . ( 2500.9+1.82 . 𝑇   )❑ estimate air temperature after air

undergoes a process
∅=
𝑚𝑔
%
𝑃𝑣
∅= where Pg = Psat@T
𝑃𝑔
Refer saturated water Temperature Table
(Table A4)
 6.1 AIR PROPERTIES

TEMPERATURE

1. DRY-BULB TEMPERATURE, Tdb

The normal temperature of air

2. WET-BULB TEMPERATURE, Twb

Relative humidity New (estimated)
Current properties of air, Heavy rain Air temp
Flow over large
changes to 100%. changes to temperature of air,
The temperature of air when it is at 30oC & 70% RH
water streams Saturated air Twb Twb = 25.5oC
adiabatic saturation condition

Tdp = Tsat@3kPa = 24.08oC

3. DEW-POINT TEMPERATURE, Tdp Vapour pressure for
atmospheric air in Malaysia, Refer saturated water The water vapour in the air will
The air temperature when Tdp = Tsat@Pv ie. 30oC & 70% RH Pressure Table start to condense (into liquid
condensation starts Pv = 3 kPa (Table A5) water) if the air temperature
drops below 24.08oC
6.1 AIR PROPERTIES – PSYCHROMETRIC CHART

%
00
=1
Φ
h Atmospheric air in Malaysia

0%
Twb 30oC & 70% RH

=5
Φ
Tdp
= 18.8 = 0.0188

ω = 0.885

= 78.5

Twb = 25.5oC

v
Tdp = 23.8oC

Tdb
 6.2 AC PROCESSES
SENSIBLE HEATING & COOLING
1. SENSIBLE HEATING
ENERGY BALANCE

∑ 𝐸 𝑖= ∑ 𝐸 𝑜
HEATER

AIR
𝑄h 𝑚 ˙ h= 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 + 𝑄 ˙ 𝑎2 . h2
INLET OUTLET MASS BALANCE ˙ h =𝑚
𝑄 ˙ 𝑎 .(h2 −h 1)
i. Dry air ii. Vapour
𝑚𝑣
𝜔=
𝑚𝑎
2. SENSIBLE COOLING 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1=𝑚˙ 𝑎2 . 𝜔 2
Constant specific humidity
COOLING COIL as there is no change in 𝜔 1 = 𝜔2 ENERGY BALANCE

∑ 𝐸 𝑖= ∑ 𝐸 𝑜
vapour content

AIR
𝑄𝑐 ˙𝑐
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 = 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 .h 2+ 𝑄
INLET OUTLET
˙ =𝑚
𝑄 ˙ 𝑎 .(h1 − h2 )
𝑐
 SENSIBLE COOLING
EXAMPLE #1
COOLING COIL
3. STATE 1

∅ 1=
𝑃𝑣1
𝜔 1=0.622
𝑃𝑣1 𝑃 𝑎 1 . 𝑉˙ 1=𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝑅 𝑎 . 𝑇  1
AIR where Pg1 = Psat@T1
𝑃 𝑔1 𝑃 𝑎1
𝑄𝑐
𝑃𝑣1 Refer saturated water
INLET OUTLET 0.5= Temperature Table
5.6291𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑘𝑔𝑎
= = (Table A4) ˙ 𝑎 1=5.5
𝑚 ˙ 𝑎
=𝑚
∴ Pv1 = 2.815 kPa 𝑠
Total enthalpy of air,

Air flows into an air-conditioning system at 5 m3/s and

Total air pressure, h1 =𝐶 𝑝, 𝑎 . 𝑇 1+ 𝜔1 .h 𝑔@ 𝑇 1 T in degree Celcius

is cooled from 35oC & 50% RH to 30oC. Determine the

𝑃 𝑎 1= 𝑃 − 𝑃 𝑣 1 h1 =1.005(35)❑+0.0181(2564.6) Refer saturated water
cooling rate and the relative humidity of air at the exit. 𝑘𝐽 Temperature Table
Assume the air pressure is constant at 100 kPa. ∴ Pa1 = 100 - 2.815 = 97.185 kPa h1 =81.38 (Table A4)
𝑘𝑔𝑎 ❑
1. MASS BALANCE 2. ENERGY BALANCE 4. STATE 2 𝑃𝑣2
𝜔 2= 0.622

∑ 𝐸𝑖=∑ 𝐸𝑜
𝑃𝑎2
𝑘𝑔 𝑣
i. Dry air ii. Vapour 𝜔 2=𝜔1= 0.0181 𝑃𝑣 2
𝑘𝑔 𝑎 0.0181=0.622
1 00 − 𝑃 𝑣 2
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 = 𝑚 ˙𝑐
˙ 𝑎 2 .h 2+ 𝑄
Total enthalpy of air,
∴ Pv2 = 2.828 kPa
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1=𝑚˙ 𝑎2 . 𝜔 2
𝑃𝑣2
𝜔 1 = 𝜔2 ˙ 𝑐 =𝑚
𝑄 ˙ 𝑎 .(h1 − h2 ) h2 =𝐶 𝑝 ,𝑎 . 𝑇 2+ 𝜔 2 . h𝑔@ 𝑇 2 ∅ 2= ∅ 2=66.6 %
𝑃𝑔 2
h2 =1.005(30)❑+0.0181(2555.6 )
˙ 𝑐 =5.5 ( 8 1.38 −76.4 )=27.4 𝑘𝑊
𝑄 ∅ 2=
2.828 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
h2 =76.4 4.2469 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝑔𝑎 ❑
 6.2 AC PROCESSES
HUMIDIFICATION & DE-HUMIDIFICATION
3. HUMIDIFICATION MASS BALANCE ENERGY BALANCE

∑ 𝐸𝑖=∑ 𝐸𝑜
HUMIDIFIER
i. Dry air ii. Vapour
𝑚𝑣
𝜔=
𝑚𝑎
DRY WET
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 + 𝑚
˙ 𝑠 .h 𝑠 =𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 .h 2
AIR AIR 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1+ 𝑚
˙ 𝑠 =𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . 𝜔2
h 𝑠=h𝑔 @ 𝑇𝑠
INLET OUTLET -

4. DE-HUMIDIFICATION
MASS BALANCE ENERGY BALANCE

∑ 𝐸𝑖=∑ 𝐸𝑜
COOLING COIL
i. Dry air ii. Vapour
𝑚𝑣
HOT & COLD 𝜔=
HUMID SATURATED 𝑚𝑎
+
AIR 𝑄𝑐 AIR 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 = 𝑚 ˙ 𝑐 . h 𝑐 + 𝑄˙ 𝑐
˙ 𝑎 2 .h 2+ 𝑚
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1=𝑚˙ 𝑎2 . 𝜔 2   +  𝑚
˙𝑐
INLET OUTLET
h𝑐 =h 𝑓 @ 𝑇𝑐
Cool the air until its temp is lower -
Condensate Heat transfer rate to the coolant
than the dew-point temp
˙ =𝑚
𝑄 ˙ 𝑎 ( h1 − h2 ) − 𝑚
˙ 𝑐 . h𝑐
Tdp = Tsat@Pv 𝑐

Total heat loss from air 𝑚 ˙ +𝑚

˙ 𝑎 ( h1 − h2 ) = 𝑄 ˙ 𝑐 . h𝑐
𝑐
 DE-HUMIDIFICATION
EXAMPLE #2
COOLING COIL
1. MASS BALANCE 2. ENERGY BALANCE

AIR
INLET
𝑄𝑐
OUTLET
i. Dry air ii. Vapour

+
∑ 𝐸𝑖=∑ 𝐸𝑜
=
Condensate
=
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1=𝑚˙ 𝑎2 . 𝜔 2   +  𝑚
˙𝑐 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 = 𝑚˙ 𝑎 2 .h 2+ 𝑚 ˙ 𝑐 . h 𝑐 + 𝑄˙ 𝑐
=? ˙ =𝑚
- 𝑄 𝑐 ˙ 𝑎 ( h 1 − h2 ) − 𝑚 ˙ 𝑐 . h𝑐

Air flows into an air-conditioning system at 0.7 m3/s and is cooled h𝑐 =h 𝑓 @ 𝑇𝑐

from 30oC & 60% RH to 20oC. Determine the heat transfer rate to
the coolant and the condensation rate of air at the exit. Assume 3. STATE 1 : 30oC & 60% RH
the air pressure is constant at 100 kPa.

∅ 1=
𝑃𝑣1
where Pg1 = Psat@T1 𝜔 1=0.622
𝑃𝑣1 𝑃 𝑎 1 . 𝑉˙ 1=𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝑅 𝑎 . 𝑇  1
DOES CONDENSATION 𝑃 𝑎1
REALLY OCCUR?
𝑃 𝑔1
Cool the air until its temp is lower 𝑃𝑣 1 Refer saturated water
0.6= Temperature Table
than the dew-point temp 4.2469 𝑘𝑃𝑎 (Table A4)
𝑘𝑔 𝑎
˙ 𝑎 1=0.784
𝑚 ˙ 𝑎
=𝑚
Tdp = Tsat@Pv1 Tdp = Tsat@2.548kPa ∴ Pv1 = 2.548 kPa Total enthalpy of air, 𝑠
Refer saturated water Tdp = 21.1oC
Pressure Table (Table A5) Total air pressure, h1 =𝐶 𝑝, 𝑎 . 𝑇 1+ 𝜔1 .h 𝑔@ 𝑇 1 T in degree Celcius

T2 < Tdp ∴ Condensation occurs h1 =1.005(30)❑+0.0163 (2555.6) Refer saturated water

𝑃 𝑎 1=𝑃 − 𝑃 𝑣 1 𝑘𝐽
Temperature Table
(Table A4)
h1 =71.8
∴ Pa1 = 100 - 2.548 = 97.452 kPa 𝑘𝑔 𝑎 ❑
 4. STATE 2 : 20oC & 100% RH

𝑃𝑣2 𝑃𝑣2
COOLING COIL ∅ 2= where Pg2 = Psat@T2 𝜔 2= 0.622
𝑃𝑔 2 𝑃𝑎2
𝑃𝑣2 Refer saturated water
1.0= Temperature Table
AIR 2.3392 𝑘𝑃𝑎 (Table A4)
𝑄𝑐
INLET OUTLET ∴ Pv2 = 2.3392 kPa Total enthalpy of air,
= =
Condensate
Total air pressure, h2 =𝐶 𝑝 ,𝑎 . 𝑇 2+ 𝜔 2 . h𝑔 @ 𝑇 2 T in degree Celcius

h2 =1.005(20)❑+0.0149 (2537.4) Refer saturated water

𝑃 𝑎 2=𝑃 − 𝑃 𝑣 2 𝑘𝐽
Temperature Table
(Table A4)
h2 =57.9
∴ Pa2 = 100 - 2.339 = 97.661 kPa 𝑘𝑔 𝑎 ❑

5. From MASS BALANCE 6. From ENERGY BALANCE

- ˙ 𝑐 =𝑚
𝑄 ˙ 𝑎 ( h1 − h2 ) − 𝑚
˙ 𝑐 . h𝑐 h𝑐 =h 𝑓 @ 𝑇𝑐 (83.915)
The condensate temp is equal to
- the air exit temp,
10.8 kW

0.0011 Refer saturated water 𝑘𝐽

Temperature Table h𝑐 =83.915
𝑘𝑔𝑣
(Table A4)
 6.2 AC PROCESSES
ADIABATIC MIXING OF AIR STREAMS
5. ADIABATIC MIXING MASS BALANCE

i. Dry air ii. Vapour

𝑚𝑣
𝜔=
TREATED 𝟏 𝑚𝑎
AIR ADIABATIC
MIXING 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1+ 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . 𝜔 2= 𝑚
˙ 𝑎3 . 𝜔 3
CHAMBER
𝟑 CONDITIONED ENERGY BALANCE

∑ 𝐸𝑖=∑ 𝐸𝑜
AIR

𝟐
FRESH 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 + 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . h2=𝑚
˙ 𝑎3. h3
AIR
Determine the

The temperature of state 3 can be The relative humidity of state 3 can then
predicted from this relationship be calculated

Total enthalpy of air, 𝑃𝑣3

𝜔 3= 0.62 2
𝑃𝑎
h=𝐶 𝑝 ,𝑎 . 𝑇 +𝜔 . ( h 𝑔@ 0 𝐶 +𝐶 𝑝, 𝑣 𝑇   )❑
𝑜 𝑃𝑣3
∅3=
𝑃𝑔 @𝑇3
h3 =1. 005. 𝑇 3 + 𝜔3 . ( 2500.9+1.82. 𝑇 3   )❑
 ADIABATIC MIXING OF AIR STREAMS
EXAMPLE #3
Treated air flows into an adiabatic mixing chamber of an air-conditioning MASS BALANCE
system at 2.2 m3/s, 22oC & 70% RH. Fresh outside air at 0.8 m3/s, 30oC &
60% RH is mixed with the treated air. Determine the comfort level of the i. Dry air ii. Vapour
conditioned air. Assume the air pressure is constant at 100 kPa. 𝑚𝑣
𝜔=
𝑚𝑎
TREATED 𝟏 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1+ 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . 𝜔 2= 𝑚
˙ 𝑎3 . 𝜔 3
AIR ADIABATIC
MIXING
= CHAMBER
ENERGY BALANCE
𝟑 CONDITIONED
AIR
∑ 𝐸𝑖=∑ 𝐸𝑜
FRESH 𝟐 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 + 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . h2 = 𝑚
˙ 𝑎3. h3
AIR
= To determine the comfort level of the
conditioned air, the must be known
The temperature of state 3 can be determined
from the enthalpy relationship of state 3

h3 =1. 005. 𝑇 3 + 𝜔3 . ( 2500.9+1.82. 𝑇 3   )❑

Determine the from the mass and
energy balances
6.1 AIR PROPERTIES – PSYCHROMETRIC CHART

Air properties at states 1 & 2

= 11.8 = 0.0118

= 52.2

= 0.853
2

= 15.8 = 0.0158

1 = 70.5

= 0.879
 ADIABATIC MIXING OF AIR STREAMS
EXAMPLE #3

= =
TREATED 𝟏
AIR ADIABATIC
MIXING = 3.49 = 2.58 = 0.91
= CHAMBER
𝟑 CONDITIONED
Determine the
AIR
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1+ 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . 𝜔 2= 𝑚
˙ 𝑎3 . 𝜔 3
= 0.0128
FRESH 𝟐
AIR 2.58(0.0118)+0.91 (0.0158)=3 .49 . 𝜔 3
=

= 11.8 = 0.0118
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 + 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . h2 = 𝑚
˙ 𝑎3. h3 =5

= 52.2
2.58(52.2)+0.91(70.5)=3.49 . h 3
The specific humidity and enthalpy of
= 0.853
state 3 should be between states 1 & 2
The temperature & relative humidity
of state 3 from Psyc. Chart
= 15.8 = 0.0158
T3 = 24.3oC The conditioned air only partially meets the comfort
= 70.5
requirement. The humidity of the treated air or fresh
∅ 3 =67 % air should be reduced to less than 60% before mixing.
= 0.879
ADIABATIC MIXING OF AIR STREAMS
EXAMPLE #3
= 0.0128

=5

T3 = 24.3oC
φ3 = 67%

2
If states 1 & 2 are connected with a
3 straight line, then state 3 should be
at a point on that line.
1 State 3 is influenced by the
properties of both inlet states, but
inclined towards the state with
higher flow rate portion.
 3. HUMIDIFICATION MASS BALANCE ENERGY BALANCE
HUMIDIFIER
i. Dry air ii. Vapour
𝜔=
𝑚𝑣
𝑚𝑎
∑ 𝐸𝑖=∑ 𝐸𝑜
DRY =40oC WET 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 + 𝑚
˙ 𝑠 .h 𝑠 =𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 .h 2
AIR =1.5 kg/min AIR 𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1+ 𝑚
˙ 𝑠 =𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . 𝜔2
-
h 𝑠=h𝑔@ 𝑇𝑠
INLET OUTLET
=30oC (
= 45% (
=7 m3/s

3. STATE 1 : 30oC & 45% RH 4. STATE 2 :

𝑃𝑣1 where Pg1 = Psat@T1 𝑃𝑣1 𝑃 𝑎 1 . 𝑉˙ 1=𝑚

˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝑅 𝑎 . 𝑇  1 𝑘𝑔 𝑣
∅ 1= 𝜔 1=0.622
𝑃 𝑎1
𝜔 2= 0.0153
𝑃 𝑔1 𝑘𝑔 𝑎
= 2573.5
𝑃𝑣1 Refer saturated water
0.45= Temperature Table = 69.22
4.2469 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑘𝑔𝑎
(Table A4) ˙ 𝑎 1=7.896
𝑚 ˙ 𝑎
=𝑚
𝑠
∴ Pv1 = 1.911 kPa Total enthalpy of air,

Total air pressure, h2 =1. 005.𝑇 2 +𝜔 2 . ( 2500.9+1.82 . 𝑇 2   )❑

h1 =𝐶 𝑝 , 𝑎 . 𝑇 1+ 𝜔1 .h 𝑔 @ 𝑇 1
h1 =1.005(30)❑+0.0121(2555.6) =
𝑘𝐽 𝑃𝑣2 𝑃𝑣2
h1 =61.07 𝜔 2= 0.622 ∴ Pv2 = 2.400 kPa ∅ 2= ∅ 2=57 %❑
𝑘𝑔𝑎 ❑ 𝑃𝑎2 𝑃𝑔 2
 3. HUMIDIFICATION
HUMIDIFIER
MASS BALANCE ENERGY BALANCE

DRY
AIR
=40 C
o

=2.5 kg/min
WET
AIR
i. Dry air ii. Vapour
𝜔=
𝑚𝑣
𝑚𝑎
∑ 𝐸𝑖=∑ 𝐸𝑜
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . h1 + 𝑚
˙ 𝑠 .h 𝑠 =𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 .h 2
INLET OUTLET
𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝜔 1+ 𝑚
˙ 𝑠 =𝑚
˙ 𝑎 2 . 𝜔2
=30oC
-
h 𝑠=h𝑔@ 𝑇𝑠
= 40%
=3 m3/s
(
(

3. STATE 1 : 30oC & 40% RH 4. STATE 2 :

𝑃𝑣1 where Pg1 = Psat@T1 𝑃𝑣1

𝑃 𝑎 1 . 𝑉˙ 1=𝑚
˙ 𝑎 1 . 𝑅 𝑎 . 𝑇  1 𝑘𝑔 𝑣
∅ 1= 𝜔 1=0.622
𝑃 𝑎1
𝜔 2= 0.023
𝑃 𝑔1 𝑘𝑔 𝑎
𝑃𝑣1 Refer saturated water
0.4= Temperature Table = 89.2
4.246 𝑘𝑃𝑎 (Table A4) 𝑘𝑔𝑎 = 2573.5
∴ Pv1 = 1.698 kPa Total enthalpy of air,
˙ 𝑎 1=3.39
𝑚 ˙ 𝑎
=𝑚
𝑠
Total air pressure,
h1 =𝐶 𝑝 , 𝑎 . 𝑇 1+ 𝜔1 .h 𝑔 @ 𝑇 1 h2 =1. 005.𝑇 2 +𝜔 2 . ( 2500.9+1.82 . 𝑇 2   )❑
h1 =1.005(30)❑+0.0107 (2555.6) =
𝑘𝐽 𝑃𝑣2 𝑃𝑣2
h1 =57.5 𝜔 2= 0.622 ∴ Pv2 = 3.566 kPa ∅ 2= ∅ 2=84 % ❑
𝑘𝑔 𝑎 ❑ 𝑃𝑎2 𝑃𝑔 2