MEE 515- HVAC

Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

Amne El-Cheikh, PhD

Amne El Cheikh, PhD 1

 Outline
• Moist Air and the Standard Atmosphere
• Fundamental Parameters
• Adiabatic Saturation
• Wet Bulb Temperature and the Psychrometric Chart
• Classic Moist Air Processes
• Space Air Conditioning: Design Conditions
 Moist Air and the Standard Atmosphere
• Atmospheric air is a mixture of many gases (Dry air: Oxygen (32g; 20.95%), Nitrogen (28.016g; 78.09%),
Argon (39.944g; 0.93%), and Carbon Dioxide (44.010g; 0.03%) of constant composition, and water vapor,
and countless pollutants of considerable varying amount

• The ideal gas relation: 𝑃𝑣 = 𝑃Τ𝜌 = 𝑅𝑎 𝑇, has been shown to produce small errors when used to make
psychromteric calculations

• Gas Constant for air 𝑅𝑎 = 𝑅ത Τ𝑀𝑎 = 1545.32Τ28.965 = 53.352 𝑓𝑡. 𝐿𝑏𝑓Τ𝐿𝑏𝑚. 𝑅 = 287 𝐽Τ𝑘𝑔. 𝐾

𝑓𝑡.𝐿𝑏𝑓 𝐽
• Universal gas constant 𝑅ത = 1545.32 = 8314
𝐿𝑏𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒.𝑅 𝑘𝑔𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒.𝐾

• The amount of water vapor may vary from 0 to saturated state, a maximum determined by the
temperature and pressure of the mixture

• The gas constant for water vapor is: 𝑅𝑣 = 1545.32Τ18.015 = 85.78 𝑓𝑡. 𝐿𝑏𝑓Τ𝐿𝑏𝑚. 𝑅 = 462 𝐽Τ𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
 Moist Air and the Standard Atmosphere
• ASHRAE handbook gives the following definition of the standard atmosphere:

1- Acceleration due to gravity is constant at 32.174 𝑓𝑡Τ𝑠 2 (9.807 𝑚Τ𝑠 2 )

2- Temperature at sea level is 59.0 F, 15 C, or 288.1 K

3- Pressure at sea level is 29.921 in. Hg (101.039 kPa)

4- The atmosphere consists of dry air, which behaves as a perfect gas

• Atmospheric pressure may be estimated as a function of elevation by: 𝑃 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝐻, where H is the
elevation above sea level in meters or feet, and “a” and “b” are constants given in the following table
Fundamental Parameters
• To characterize moist air moisture, several fundamental parameters
are usually adopted:
1- Pressure P:
 The Dalton law for a mixture of perfect gases states that the mixture
pressure is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the
constituents. Then for moist air:
𝑃 = 𝑃𝑁2 + 𝑃𝑂2 + 𝑃𝐶𝑂2 + 𝑃𝐴𝑟 + 𝑃𝑣 = 𝑃𝑎 + 𝑃𝑣
Fundamental Parameters
2- Humidity Ratio W:
𝑚 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
 The humidity ratio 𝑊 = 𝑚𝑣 =
𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟

3- Relative Humidity Ø:
𝑥𝑣 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
 The relative humidity ∅ = =
𝑥𝑠 𝑇,𝑃 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃

 For a mixture of perfect gases, the mole fraction is equal to the partial pressure ratio of each constituent:
𝑃𝑣 𝑃𝑠
𝑥𝑣 = and 𝑥𝑠 =
𝑃 𝑃
𝑃 Τ𝑃 𝜌𝑣
 Then, ∅ = 𝑃𝑣Τ𝑃 = 𝑃𝑣 Τ𝑃𝑠 = 𝜌𝑠 𝑇,𝑃
𝑠
Fundamental Parameters
Relation Between W and Ø:
 By combining the different expressions defined above, one can write:
𝑃 𝑊.𝑃
𝑊 = 0.6219 𝑃𝑣 and ∅ = 0.6219𝑃
𝑎
𝑎 𝑠

5- Enthalpy i:
 For moist air, I is referenced to the mass of dry air
𝑖 = 𝑖𝑎 + 𝑊𝑖𝑣 = 𝐶𝑝𝑎 𝑇 + 𝑊 𝑖𝑔 + 𝐶𝑝𝑣 𝑇
Where 𝑖𝑔 is the enthalpy of saturated vapor at 0 F: 𝑖𝑔 = 1061.2 𝐵𝑇𝑈 Τ𝐿𝑏𝑚 = 2501.3 𝑘𝐽Τ𝑘𝑔 𝑎𝑡 0 𝐶
𝐶𝑝𝑎 = 0.240 𝐵𝑇𝑈Τ𝐿𝑏𝑚 . F = 1.0 𝑘𝐽Τ𝑘𝑔. 𝐾 and 𝐶𝑝𝑣 = 0.444 𝐵𝑇𝑈Τ𝐿𝑏𝑚 . F = 1.86 𝑘𝐽Τ𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
 Therefore: 𝑖 = 0.24𝑇 + 𝑊 1061.2 + 0.444𝑇 𝐵𝑇𝑈 Τ𝐿𝑏𝑚𝑎
Or 𝑖 = 1.0𝑇 + 𝑊 2501.3 + 1.86𝑇 𝑘𝐽Τ𝑘𝑔𝑎
 Example 3.1
 Compute the enthalpy of saturated air at 60 F and standard atmospheric pressure
 Adiabatic Saturation
• At a given pressure an dry bulb temperature of an air-water vapor mixture, one
additional property is required to completely fix the state, except at saturation
• Any of the parameters (I, W, Ø) would be acceptable
• However, since there is no practical way to measure them, the concept of adiabatic
saturation is more convenient

• Consider the device shown in the figure

• Air leaving at point 2 is saturated
• Temperature 𝑡2 where relative humidity
is 100% is called the adiabatic saturation
temperature or thermodynamic wet
bulb temperature 𝑡2∗
 Adiabatic Saturation
• An energy balance on the CV yields:
∗ ∗ = 𝑊∗ 𝑖 ∗
𝑖𝑎1 + 𝑊1 𝑖𝑣 + 𝑊𝑠2 − 𝑊1 𝑖𝑤 𝑠2 𝑣2 + 𝑖 𝑎2
1
∗ =𝐶 ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
Or 𝑊1 𝑖𝑣1 − 𝑖𝑤 𝑡
𝑝𝑎 2 − 𝑡1 + 𝑊 𝑖
𝑠2 𝑣2 − 𝑖 𝑤
∗ =𝐶 ∗ ∗ ∗
𝑊1 𝑖𝑣1 − 𝑖𝑤 𝑝𝑎 2 𝑡 − 𝑡1 + 𝑊 𝑠2 𝑖𝑓𝑔2

• Solving for W1 yields:

∗ ∗
𝐶𝑝𝑎 𝑡2∗ − 𝑡1 + 𝑊𝑠2 𝑖𝑓𝑔2
𝑊1 = ∗
𝑖𝑣1 − 𝑖𝑤
∗ 𝑃𝑣2
• Recall: 𝑊𝑠2 = 0.6219
𝑃2 −𝑃𝑣2
Example 3-2
The pressure entering and leaving an adiabatic saturator is 14.696
lbf/in.2 , the entering temperature is 80F, and the leaving temperature
is 64F. Compute the humidity ratio W1 and the relative humidity ∅1 .
Wet Bulb Temperature and the Psychrometric
Chart
• A practical device used instead of the adiabatic saturator is the psychrometer
• It consists of 2 thermometers (temperature sensing elements), one of which
has a wetting cotton wick covering the bulb
• The temperatures indicated by the psychrometer are called the wet bulb and
dry bulb temperatures
• The wet bub temperature is an approximation of 𝑡2∗
Psychromteric Chart
• Der bulb t lines are
not exactly parallel
and incline slightly to
left
• Wet bulb t lines and
enthalpy line diverge
as we move away
from saturation
• Enthalpy, specific
volume and humidity
ratio are based on a
unit mass of dry air
• Spacing between wet
bulb lines is not
uniform
 Classic Moist Air Processes
Heating/Cooling:
• 1 2Heating
• 21 Cooling
𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑖2 + 𝑞ሶ = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑖1
𝑖1 = 𝑖𝑎1 + 𝑊1 𝑖𝑣1
𝑖2 = 𝑖𝑎2 + 𝑊2 𝑖𝑣2
𝑞ሶ = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑡1 − 𝑡2
Where 𝐶𝑝 = 𝐶𝑝𝑎 + 𝑊𝐶𝑝𝑣
• In the temperature range of
interest:
𝐶𝑝𝑎 = 0.2 𝐵𝑇𝑈Τ𝐿𝑏𝑚𝑎 . 𝐹
= 1.0 𝑘𝐽Τ𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
𝐶𝑝𝑣 = 0.444 𝐵𝑇𝑈Τ𝐿𝑏𝑚𝑎 . 𝐹
= 1.86 𝑘𝐽Τ𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
Example 3-4
Find the heat transfer rate required to warm 1500 cfm (𝑓𝑡 3 /min) of
air at 60F and 90 percent relative humidity to 110F without the
addition of moisture.
 Classic Moist Air Processes
Cooling and Dehumdifying:
• The process path may vary
depending on the type of surface,
surface temperature and flow
conditions
• Energy Balance:
𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑖1 = 𝑞ሶ + 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑖2 + 𝑚ሶ 𝑤 𝑖𝑤
• Mass Balance:
𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑊1 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑊2 + 𝑚ሶ 𝑤
• Combining:
𝑞ሶ = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 − 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑊1 − 𝑊2 𝑖𝑤
• Second term on right-hand side is
usually small compared to others
and can be neglected
Example 3-5
Moist air at 80 F db and 67 F wb is cooled to 58 F db and 80 percent
relative humidity. The volume flow rate is 2000 cfm, and the
condensate leaves at 60 F. Find the heat transfer rate.
Classic Moist Air Processes
Heating and Humdifying:
• Energy Balance:
𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑖1 + 𝑞ሶ + 𝑚ሶ 𝑤 𝑖𝑤 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑖2
• Mass Balance:
𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑊1 + 𝑚ሶ 𝑤 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑊2
• Combining:
𝑖1 − 𝑖2 𝑞ሶ
= + 𝑖𝑤
𝑊1 − 𝑊2 𝑚ሶ 𝑎 𝑊2 − 𝑊1

∆𝑖 𝑖1 −𝑖2 𝑞ሶ
Or = = + 𝑖𝑤
∆𝑊 𝑊1 −𝑊2 𝑚ሶ 𝑤
• Although the process is represented
by line 1-2, it is not practical to do
both heating and humidification at
same time
• We first heat (line 1-X), then
humidify (line X-2)
 Classic Moist Air Processes
Adiabatic Humidification:
• When moisture is added to moist
air without the addition of heat:
𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ∆𝑖
= = 𝑖𝑤
𝑊1 − 𝑊2 ∆𝑊
• Close examination of the
protractor reveals that ∆𝑖 Τ∆𝑊 can
vary from +∞ to −∞
• Therefore, adiabatic
humidification can take many
different paths depending on the
condition of water used
• In practice, water will vary from a
liquid at 50F to sat. vapor at 250 F
Example 3-6
Moist air at 60 F db and 20 percent relative humidity enters a heater
and humidifier at the rate of 1600 cfm. Heating of the air is followed
by adiabatic humidification so that is leaves at 115 F db and a relative
humidity of 30 percent. Saturated water vapor at 212 F is injected.
Determine the required heat transfer rate and mass flow rate of
water vapor.
 Classic Moist Air Processes
Adiabatic Mixing of 2 Streams:
• Energy Balance:
𝑚ሶ 𝑎1 𝑖1 + 𝑚ሶ 𝑎2 𝑖2 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎3 𝑖3
• Mass Balance:
𝑚ሶ 𝑎1 + 𝑚ሶ 𝑎2 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎3
𝑚ሶ 𝑎1 𝑊1 + 𝑚ሶ 𝑎2 𝑊2 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎3 𝑊3
• Combining:
𝑖2 − 𝑖3 𝑊2 − 𝑊3 𝑚ሶ 𝑎1
= =
𝑖3 − 𝑖1 𝑊3 − 𝑊1 𝑚ሶ 𝑎2

𝑚ሶ 𝑎1 32 𝑚ሶ 𝑎1 32 𝑚ሶ 𝑎2 13
= = =
𝑚ሶ 𝑎2 13 𝑚ሶ 𝑎3 12 𝑚ሶ 𝑎3 12

• Solving for mixed properties:

𝑚ሶ 𝑎1
𝑖 + 𝑖2
𝑚ሶ 𝑎2 1
𝑖3 =
𝑚ሶ
1 + 𝑎1
𝑚ሶ 𝑎2

𝑚ሶ 𝑎1
𝑊 +𝑊2
𝑚ሶ 𝑎2 1
𝑊3 = 𝑚ሶ
1+ ሶ 𝑎1
𝑚𝑎2
Example 3-7
 Two thousand cubic feet per minute (cfm) of air at 100 F db and 75 F
wb are mixed with 1000 cfm of air at 60 F db and 50 F wb. The
process is adiabatic, at a steady flow rate and at standard sea-level
pressure. Find the condition of the mixed streams.
 Space Air Conditioning: Design Conditions
• The complete air conditioning system may involve two or more of the
processes just considered
• In summer, supply air must have sufficiently low temperature and
humidity to absorb the total cooling load of the system.
• As it flow through the space, it is heated and humidified
• Some outdoor air is mixed with return air and sent to HVAC equipment
to be cooled and dehumidified, then sent to the space again
 Sensible Heat Factor
• The sensible heat factor (SHF) is the ratio of the sensible heat transfer
to the total heat transfer for a process:
𝑞ሶ 𝑠 𝑞ሶ 𝑠
𝑆𝐻𝐹 = =
𝑞ሶ 𝑠 + 𝑞ሶ 𝑙 𝑞ሶ
• SHF is also plotted on the protractor (inner scale)
Example 3-8
 Conditioned air is supplied to a space at 54 F db and 90 percent RH at
the of 1500 cfm. The sensible heat factor for the space is 0.80, and
the space is to be maintained at 75 F db. Determine the sensible and
latent cooling loads for the space.
 Example 3-9
 A given space is to be maintained at 78 F db and 65 F wb. The total heat
gain to the space has been determined to be 60,000 Btu/hr, of which
42,000 Btu/hr is sensible heat transfer. The outdoor air requirement of
the occupants is 500 cfm. The outdoor air has a temperature and
relative humidity of 90 F and 55 percent, respectively. Determine the
quantity and the state of the air supplied to the space and the required
capacity of the cooling and dehumidifying equipment.
 Bypass Factor
• An alternative approach to the analysis of cooling coils uses the
bypass factor
• If line 1-2 is extended, it intersects the saturation curve at d
• This point is the apparatus dew point
• The coil can not cool all of the air passing through it to the
surface temperature
• Therefore, it performs as if a portion of the air is brought to
saturation at the coil temperature and the remainder bypassed
the coil unchanged
• The resulting mixture is unsaturated air at point 2
• Length of d-2 is proportional to mass of air bypassed
• The coil bypass factor b is the fraction of air bypassed:
𝑡 −𝑡 𝑡 −𝑡
𝑏 = 𝑡2 −𝑡𝑑 and 1 − b = 𝑡 1−𝑡 2
1 𝑑 1 𝑑

• The coil sensible heat transfer rate is:

𝑞ሶ 𝑐𝑠 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎1 𝐶𝑝 𝑡1 − 𝑡2 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎1 𝐶𝑝 𝑡1 − 𝑡𝑑 1 − 𝑏
• Bypass factor is determined from simulation and experiment (and
found in catalog data)
• Note: supply fan and return fan power input is manifested as
sensible energy input to the air
 Example 3-10
 A space is to be maintained at 75 F and 50 percent relative
humidity. Heat losses from the space are 225,000 Btu/hr sensible
and 56,250 Btu/hr latent. The latent heat transfer is due to
infiltration of cold, dry air. The outdoor air required is 1000 cfm at
35 F and 80 percent relative humidity. Determine the quantity or
air supplied at 120 F, the state of the supply air, the size of the
furnace or heating coil, and the humidifier characteristics.