Psychrometric

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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.
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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 BTUs 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 BTUHs 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.)
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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.
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PSYCHRO M ETRIC CHART

Sea Level
BARO METRIC PRESSURE 29.921 inches of Mercury
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290
10
280 270 260 95 250

16.0 17.0
1.8
95
60
95
1.7
1.6
55
95
240
W ET BU
90
230
LB TE M
1.5 90 1.4 HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR
85
90
50
AIR
90
PE
220
R AT U
210
E - F
DR Y
200 190
1.3 VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR
OF
45
- F
ND
85
15.0 SPE
85
POU
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER
RE
80
- BT UP
40
T EM
AT U
85
CIFIC
1.1 80 1
PE R
80
U VOL
EN T HA L
PY
/ ME ft
RAT
35
ION
80
75
lb OF
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65 .6
A DRY
30
75
IR
70
9 0%
70
20
80
25
65
70
100 90
14.0
70
60
15
65
80 70
65
60
.5
55
10
60
60
55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
55
50
50 45
50
.4
60
40
%
%
.3
40 35
0
45
30 25 15
10
40
30
13.0
30
%
ID H UM T IV E IT Y
.2
55
35
25
-5
20
15
30
20
20 10
-25 -30 -25
-20 -20
-15 -15
-10 -10
-5 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
20
RELA 10%
.1
12.0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
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50
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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

10
DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - F

15 20
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The Psychrometric Chart an Overview
Before we proceed further in our study, lets 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).
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE 29.921 inches of Mercury
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95
Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
1. 2. 3. 4.
VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY
85
180 170 160
1.2
ER P
TEM PER ATU RE -
80
BTU P
6. 7. 8.
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
35
RA T ION
ENT H
SAT U
75
8
75
80
4 6
150 140 130 120 110
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
30
70
90%
70
80 %
65
70
100
70 %
60
15
65
%
5 2 1
90 80 70
.6
65
60
.5
55
10
60
60
55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50
55
50
50 45
50
.4
60
0%
.3
40 35
0
45
40
13.0
% 30
20%
V ELATI 10% R
30 20 10
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
30
-5
20
15
20
-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
Y MIDIT E HU
.1
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

10

15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Page 6 of 38
ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR
OUN D
5.
Constant dry bulb temperature Constant Dew Point and Humidity Ratio Constant wet bulb temperature Relative humidity (100% line is the saturation curve or Dew Point) Constant specific volume, ft3/# of dry air Enthalpy or total heat, BTU/pound of air Humidity ratio or grains of moisture per pound of dry air Saturation curve 100% humidity line or the point at which an air mixture can hold no additional moisture at a given temperature; 25 temperature on the curve is 20 the dewpoint
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE
85
90
50
AIR
90
220
RA TU RE
210
- F
DRY
200 190
1.3
OF
45
85
15.0 VO CIFIC SPE
Y-
E ft/lb LU M
ALP
IR RY A OF D
14.0
12.0
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Latent versus Sensible Changes
In the next graph, lets 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.)
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR
85
POU
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90
1.2
TUR E-
80
BTU
ERA
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
SAT URA T
35
80
75
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
30
75
70
90%
Sensible
14.0
70
80%
25 20
65
70
.6
65
70
60
15
65
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60
60 %
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50 45
50
45
55
50 %
.4
60
% 40
.3
40 35
0
30 25 15
10
40
30
13.0
30 20 10
.2
55
35
30
-5
20
15
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
20
25
Y MIDIT VE HU ELATI 10% R
20%
.1
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

10

15 20
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Sensible versus Latent: Sensible changes are horizontal, and Latent changes are vertical
55
95
240
ET BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA TU
1.5 90 1.4
85
90
50
ND OF DRY AIR
90
220
RE
210
- F
Latent
200 190
1.3
45
85
15.0 SPE
PER
CIFIC VOL
EMP
Y-
ft/ UME
EN T HAL P
ION T
lb OF AIR DRY
12.0
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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.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER P
E-
80
BTU P
40
RAT UR
85
1.1 80 1
RAT
Answer:
58.43oF
ENT HAL P
TEM PE
80
35
ION
80
75
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
90%
What is the Dew Point? (DP)

25
30
75
70
70
80 %
65
70
100 90
14.0
55
10
60
60
15
WB DP
45 40 35 50
70 %
Answer:
50.53oF
20
.6
65
60
65
80 70
60
.5
55
RH
0%
55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50
.4
60
5
45
40
50
.3
30
13.0
30
Y MIDIT E HU LATIV % RE
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
30
20%
10
-5
20
15
20 10
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
20
25
.1
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

10
DB

15 20
Page 8 of 38
Relationship of Dewpoint, RH, Wetbulb, and Drybulb: Example: What is the Wet bulb temperature of 70oF air at 50% RH?
60
95
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA T
1.5 90 1.4
85
90
50
AIR
90
220
UR E
210
- F
DRY
200 190
1.3
OF
45
OU ND
85
15.0 CIFIC SPE ft/ UME VOL
Y-
lb OF A DRY IR
12.0
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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.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
85
POU
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
PER ATU RE -
80
Y-B TU
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
SAT URA T
Answer: 25.98% What if we cool to 55oF instead?

25
35
ION
80
75
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
30
75
70
90%
70
80%
65
70
100 90
14.0
70
Answer: 84.85%
15 10
20
.6
65
60
65
%
80 70
60
.5
55 50 45
5
50
55
60
60
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50 %
.4
60
% 40
40 35
0
40
45
.3
30 25 15
10
40
30
13.0
30
.2
55
35
30
20%
10
-5
20
15
20
20 10
-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
.1
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

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15 20
Page 9 of 38
Sensible Changes: Example: If we heat 70oF at 50% RH to 90oF without adding moisture, what is the new RH?
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA TU
1.5 90 1.4
85
90
50
AIR
90
220
RE
210
- F
DRY
200 190
1.3
OF
45
ND
85
S 15.0 IFIC PEC
PER
ft/lb UME VOL
ENT HAL P
TEM
IR RY A OF D
12.0
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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.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER P
E-
80
BTU P
Answer: 50.53oF is the Dew Point. Cooling below that point removes water
25 20
40
RAT UR
85
1.1 80 1
ALP
TEM PE
80
35
SAT URA TIO N
ENT H
80
75
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
30
75
70
90%
70
80%
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70
60
15
65
%
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60
60
55
50 %
60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40
50 45
50
55
.4
60
% 40
.3
40 35
0
45
30 25 15
10
40
30
13.0
30 20 10
.2
55
35
30
-5
20
15
20
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
Y MIDIT VE HU ELATI 10% R
20%
.1
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 25 30 35 40 45

10

15 20
Page 10 of 38
Dehumidification: In the previous example, what happens when I cool below 50.53oF?
Y-
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA T
1.5 90 1.4
85
90
50
AIR
90
220
UR E
210
- F
DRY
200 190
1.3
OF
45
OUN D
85
15.0 CIFIC SPE ft/ UME VOL lb OF DRY AIR
12.0
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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.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 240 230 220 210 200 190 180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 90 1.4 HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR
85 90
Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample Note: Steam

10 0
1.8
95
16.0
17.0
60
95
1.7
85
POU
1.2
PER ATU RE -
80
Y-B TU
ENT HAL P
TEM
Answer: 60.81% What is the new DP? Answer: 55.86oF

20 15 25
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
SAT URA T
35
ION
80
75
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
30
75
70
90%
70
80%
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70
60
65
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60
60
50 45
55 Evap.
50 45
50 %
Steam
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
.4
60
% 40
40 35
0
40
40
30 %
.3
30
ITY HUMID
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
30
20%
10 E LATIV % RE
-5
20
15 20
20 10
-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
.1
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
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60
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80
85
90
95
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180

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Page 11 of 38
Humidification: At 70oF and 50% RH, what is the new RH when we add 12 gr/lb of moisture?
55
90
50
AIR
45
F
ND
85
increases enthalpy maintaining temperature; evaporation maintains enthalpy and lowers temperature
95 W ET BU LB TE M PE RA T UR E 90 - F
1.5
DRY
1.3
OF
S 15.0
IFIC PEC
PER
ft/lb UME VOL
IR RY A OF D
13.0
12.0
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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.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
85
POU
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
PER ATU RE -
80
Y-B TU
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
Answer: 33.6825.33 = 8.35 BTU/Lb Dry Air

25 20
SAT URA T
35
ION
80
75
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
30
75
70
90%
70
80%
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70
60
15
65
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60 55
50
60
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50 45
50 %
.4
60
% 40
40 35
0
40
45
.3
30 25 15
10
40 35
30
30
30
.2
55
20%
10
-5
20
15 20
20 10
-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
.1
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
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60
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85
90
95
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180

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Page 12 of 38
Enthalpy Changes: Example: What is the change in enthalpy when you go from 70F/50% RH to 80F/60% RH?
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA T
1.5 90 1.4
85
90
50
AIR
220
UR E
210
- F
DRY
90
200 190
1.3
OF
45
ND
85
S 15.0 IFIC PEC
PER
ft/lb UME VOL
ENT HAL P
TEM
IR RY A OF D
13.0
12.0
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Heating Cycles Heating cycles can be graphically illustrated on the chart. The following illustrates a typical heating cycle of an HVAC system.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
Heating Cycle
Outside Air (1) is mixed with room Return Air (2) and results in Mixed Air (3). Mixed Air is heated up to (4). Humidity may be added to (5), the Supply Air or via space humidifiers. The room absorbs heat (and moisture with ventilation or special process, etc.) resulting in Return Air (2).
25 20 50
AIR
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA T
85
90
220
UR E
210
- F
DRY
90
200 190
OF
45
F
OUN D
85
15.0 CIFIC SPE
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER P
PER ATU RE -
80
BTU P
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
ft/ UME VOL
Y-
ALP
TEM
ENT H
SAT URA T
35
ION
80
75
lb OF
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
AIR DRY
30
75
70
90%
70
80 %
65
70
5 (SA)
14.0
100 90 80 70
.6
65
60
15
65 2 (RA)
70 %
60
.5
55
10
60
60
55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 30 20 10 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
3 45 (MA)
5
55
50
50
50
.4
60
0%
%
.3
40 35
0
45
30 25 15
10
40
30
13.0
4 (SA)
ITY HUMID
.2
55
35
30
20%
10 E LATIV % RE
-5
20
15
20
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
1 (OA)
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
25
.1
12.0
10
15
20
70
75
80
85
90
95
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180

10

15 20
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Cooling Cycle Similar to the previous example, the Cooling Cycle can also be plotted on the Chart as follows.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8

65
10 0
16.0 17.0
95
60
95
Cooling Cycle
Outside Air (1) is mixed with room Return Air (2) and results in Mixed Air (3). Mixed Air is cooled and dehumidified to saturation to (4). The room heat and moisture is transferred to to the Return Air (2).
50
AIR
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA TU RE
90
220 210
- F
RY
90
85
200 190
OF D
45
- F
ND
85
15.0 CIFIC SPE
85
POU
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
PER
URE
80
BTU
RAT
40
85
1.1 80 1
ALP
EM PE
80
U VOL
Y-
/ ME ft
R AT ION T
ENT H
35
80
75
lb OF
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
DRY AIR
30
70
90%
75
70
80 %
25 20
60
65
70
100
1 (OA)
14.0
90 80 70
.6
70 %
65
%
65
60 .5
15
55
60
3 (MA)
60
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40 .2 .3 .4
55
50
10
50
60
4 (SA)
40 35 30 25 15
10
45
45
50
% 40
0
20
15
40
35
30
20%(RA) 3
13.0
40 30 20 10
20%
10%
-5
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 0 5
0
10
5
20
25
ITY HUMID TIVE RELA
55
.1
12.0
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 25 30 35 40 45
10
15
20
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Try it yourself! (A Pop Quiz)
(This isnt 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?
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a. 13.6 b. 11.2 c. 12.1 5.What is the wetbulb temperature? a.50 b.60 c.74
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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.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
OF
Step 1: Plot the conditions pick a point at 74oF DB and 45% RH

ER P BTU P
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA T
1.5 90 1.4
85
90
50
AIR
90
220
UR E
210
- F
DRY
200 190
45
F
OUN D
85
15.0 CIFIC SPE
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
PER ATU RE -
80
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
ft/ UME VOL
Y-
ALP
TEM
ENT H
SAT URA T
35
ION
80
75
lb OF
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
AIR DRY
30
75
70
90%
70
80 %
25 20
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70 %
60
15
65
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60 55
60
55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50
50 45
50 45 40 35
30
13.0
.4
60
0%
%
.3
40 35
0
30
30
Y MIDIT
30 25 15
10
.2
55
20%
10 E HU LATIV % RE
-5
20
15 20
20 10
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
.1
12.0
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

10

15 20
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
Step 2: Draw a horizontal line.

50
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA T
85
90
220
UR E
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER P
PER ATU RE -
80
BTU P
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
ENT H
Read Humidity Ratio on the right, 56.37 grains/pound of dry air

20 15 10
SAT URA T
35
ION
80
75
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
30
75
70
90%
70
80 %
25
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70 %
60
65
80 70
60
.5
55 50 45
5
50 45 40 35
30
13.0
60 55
60
55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50
.4
60
40
%
%
.3
40 35
0
30
30
Y MIDIT
30 25 15
10
.2
55
20%
10 E HU LATIV % RE
-5
20
15 20
20 10
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
.1
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

10

15 20
Page 18 of 38
Y-
ALP
TEM
Read Dewpoint on the left at the 100% saturation curve, 51.34oF
210
- F
AIR
DRY
90
200 190
1.3
OF
45
OUN D
85
15.0 CIFIC SPE ft/ UME VOL lb OF AIR DRY
12.0
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
AIR
Step 3: Draw diagonal lines and read

ER P
55
95
240
ET BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA T
1.5 90 1.4
85
90
50
90
220
UR E
210
- F
RY
200 190
BTU P
40
PER ATU R
Enthalpy = 26.57 BTU/# dry air At the saturation curve Wet Bulb = 60oF
25 20
YALP ENT H
OF D
45
F
OUN D
85
15.0 CIFIC SPE
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
E-
80
85
1.1 80 1
80
UME VOL
TEM
RAT
35
ION
80
75
R OF D ft/lb
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65 .6
Y AIR
30
75
70
90%
70
80
65
70
100 90
14.0
70 %
60
15
65
80 70
65
60
.5
55
10
60
60 %
55
50 %
60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40
50 45
50
55
.4
60
% 40
.3
40 35
0
45
30 25 15
10
40
% 30
13.0
30 20 10
.2
55
35
30
-5
20
15
20
-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
ITY UMID VE H ELATI 10% R
20%
.1
12.0
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 25 30 35 40 45

10

15 20
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0 17.0
60
95
OF D
Step 4: Draw a line parallel to the specific volume = 13.6 ft3/# dry air
PER BTU
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA TU RE
1.5 90 1.4
85
90
50
220 210
- F
AIR
RY
90
45
200 190
ND
85
15.0
85
POU
- F
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
URE
80
CIFIC SPE
RAT
40
85
1.1 80 1
ALP
R AT ION T
EM PE
80
ft/ UME VOL
Y-
ENT H
35
80
75
lb OF
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
AIR DRY
30
75
70
90%
70
80 %
25 20
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70 %
60
15
65
%
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60 55 50
60
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50
50 45
.4
60
0%
40 35
0
40
45 40
.3
30
13.0
30 20 10
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
-5
20
15
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
20
25
30
20%
.1
12.0
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

10

15 20
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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 dont do this, you will not be able to follow the examples. Some of the examples will be more challenging than others if you dont have a HVAC background, you likely will struggle at some points. Dont 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.)
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0 17.0
60
95
Example #1
50
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA TU RE
85
90
220 210
- F
AIR
RY
90
45
200 190
OF D
ND
85
15.0
85
POU
- F
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
PER
URE
80
CIFIC SPE
BTU
RAT
40
85
1.1 80 1
ALP
R AT ION T
EM PE
80
ft/ UME VOL
Y-
ENT H
35
80
75
lb OF
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
AIR DRY
30
75
70
90%
70
80 %
25 20
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70 %
60
15
65
%
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60 55 50
60
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50
50 45
.4
60
0%
40 35
0
40
45 40
.3
30
13.0
30 20 10
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
-5
20
15
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
20
25
30
20%
.1
12.0
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

10

15 20
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HVAC Troubleshooting Example #2 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.
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0 17.0
60
95
Example #2
50
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA TU RE
85
90
220 210
- F
AIR
RY
90
45
200 190
OF D
ND
85
15.0
85
POU
- F
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
PER
URE
80
CIFIC SPE
BTU
RAT
40
85
1.1 80 1
ALP
R AT ION T
EM PE
80
ft/ UME VOL
Y-
ENT H
35
80
75
lb OF
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
AIR DRY
30
75
70
90%
70
80 %
25 20
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70 %
60
15
65
%
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60 55 50
60
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50
50 45
.4
60
0%
40 35
0
40
45 40
.3
30
13.0
30 20 10
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
-5
20
15
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
20
25
30
20%
.1
12.0
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

10

15 20
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HVAC Troubleshooting Example #3 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.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
Example #3
50
AIR
55
95
240
ET BU
90
LB
230
TE M PE RA T
85
90
220
UR E
210
- F
RY
90
200 190
ND OF D
45
- F
85
S 15.0
85
POU
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
PER
RE
80
IF PEC
BTU
40
RAT U
85
1.1 80 1
E ft/lb L UM IC VO
EN T HAL P
ION T
EMP E
80
Y-
SAT URA T
35
80
75
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
IR RY A OF D
30
75
70
90%
70
80%
25 20
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70
60
15
65
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60
60 %
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50 45
50
45
55
50 %
.4
60
% 40
40 35
0
40
40
30
13.0
.3
30 20 10
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
30
-5
20
15
20
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
20%
.1
12.0
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

10

15 20
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HVAC Troubleshooting Example #4 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
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
Example #4
50
55
95
240
ET BU
90
LB
230
TE M PE RA T
85
90
220
UR E
210
- F
AIR
RY
90
200 190
ND OF D
45
85
S 15.0
85
POU
- F
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
PER
RE
80
IF PEC
BTU
40
RAT U
85
1.1 80 1
E ft/lb L UM IC VO
EN T HAL P
ION T
EMP E
80
Y-
SAT URA T
35
80
75
OA
30 25 20
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
IR RY A OF D
75
70
90%
70
80%
65
70
100 90
14.0
70
RA
55 50 45
.6
65
60
65
80 70
60
60
60 %
15
.5
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
10
55 50 45
50 %
.4
60
% 40
40 35
0
40
40
30
13.0
.3
30 20 10
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
-5
20
15 20
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
30
20%
.1
12.0
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

10

15 20
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HVAC Troubleshooting Example #5 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)
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8

65
10 0
16.0
17.0
95
60
95
Example #5
50
OF DRY AIR
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE
90
220
RA TU RE
210
- F
90
85
200 190
45
F
OUN D
85
15.0 SPE
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER P
TUR E-
80
BTU P
ERA
40
85
CIFIC
1.1 80 1
80
ft/ UME VOL
EN T HAL P
ION T
EMP
Y-
SAT URA T
35
80
75
lb OF
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
AIR DRY
30
70
90%
75
70
80 %
25 20
60
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
70 %
65
%
80 70
65
60 .5
15
55
60
60
55 60 50 50 45 .3 .4
55
50
10
45
50
50
60
40 35
45
0
25 20
15
30 15
10
40
30
13.0
DEW POINT - F
0%
Humidity Ratio =40 35 34.96 30

40
IDITY HUM TIVE RELA
.2
35
30
20%
10%
20
-5
-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 0 5
0
10
5
20
25
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
10 Humidity Ratio =10 0 7.23 -40 155 160 165 170 175 180
30 25 20
55
.1
12.0
OA
10
DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - F Space Setpoint
50 25 30 35 40 45
15
20
Page 29 of 38
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HVAC Troubleshooting Example #6 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.)
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
Example #6
50
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE RA TU RE
85
90
220 210
- F
IR
ND OF DRY A
90
200 190
45
85
15.0
85
POU
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
RAT URE -
80
CIFIC SPE
PER
BTU
40
85
1.1 80 1
ENT HAL P
SAT URA TIO NT
EM PE
80
ft/ UME VOL
Y-
35
80
75
lb OF
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
AIR DRY
30
75
70
90%
70
80 %
25 20
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70 %
60
15
65
%
80 70
60
.5
55
10
60 55 50
60
55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

50 25 30 35 40 45
50
50 45
.4
60
%
4 0%
40 35
0
40
45 40
13.0
30 %
.3
30 20 10
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
30
-5
20
15
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
20
25
20%
.1
12.0
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

10

15 20
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HVAC Troubleshooting Example #7 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?
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8

65
10 0
16.0
17.0
95
60
95
Example #7
50
AIR
55
95
240
ET BU
90
1.5
LB
230
TE M PE RA TU
90
220
RE
90 1.4 HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR
210
- F
DRY
90
85
1.3 VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY
200 190
OF
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER P
PER ATU RE -
80
BTU P
40
85
80
1.1 80 1
ENT H
SAT URA T
35
ION
80
75
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65 .6
30
70
75
90%
70
80 %
25 20
60
65
70
100 90
14.0
70 %
65
%
80 70
65
60 .5
15
55
60 55
50
60
55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40 .2 .3 .4
10
45
50
50 %
60
5
40 35
45 40 35
% 40
% 30
13.0
0
25 20
30 20 10
30 15
-5
-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 0 5
10
0
5
5
10
10
15
20
20
25
30
20%
10
55
.1
15
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 25 30 35 40 45
10
15
20
Page 32 of 38
45
OUN D
85
15.0 SPE CIFIC U VOL
Y-
ALP
TEM
F DR /lb O ME ft Y AIR
12.0
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HVAC Troubleshooting Example #8 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/#
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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.
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65 75 80 85 90
70
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
Example #8
50
AIR
55
95
W ET
240
BU LB
90
230
TE M PE
85
90
220
RA TU RE
210
- F
DRY
90
200 190
OF
45
- F
OUN D
85
15.0 CIFIC SPE
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER P
PER ATU RE
80
BTU P
40
85
1.1 80 1
80
ft/lb UME VOL
Y-
ALP
TEM
ENT H
RAT
35
ION
80
75
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65
R OF D Y AIR
30
75
70
90%
70
80 %
25 20
65
70
100 90
14.0
.6
65
70 %
60
15
65
%
80 70
g1 g2
DEW POINT - F
60
.5
55
10
60
60
55 60 50 .4 50 45 40 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40
50 25 30 35 40 45 60
55
45
5
50
40 %
50
50
.3
40 35
0
45
30 25 15
10
40
30
13.0
30
Y MIDIT
.2
55
35
30
20%
10 HU ATIVE % REL
-5
20
15
20 10
-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
20
25
.1
12.0
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

10

15 20
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HVAC Troubleshooting Example #9 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.
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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
Sea Level
65
70
75
80
85
90
300 1.9 290 280 270 260 95 250 1.6 1.7 1.8
95

10 0
16.0
17.0
60
95
Example #9
50
55
95
240
ET BU LB
90
230
TE M PE
85
90
220
RA T UR E
210
- F
AIR
RY
90
200 190
OF D
45
OUN D
85
15.0
85
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110
1.2
ER P
E-
80
CIFIC SPE
BTU P
40
PER ATU R
85
1.1 80 1
80
UME VOL
Y-
ALP
TEM
ENT H
RAT
35
ION
80
75
R OF D ft/lb
SAT U
75
.9 75 .8 70 .7 65 .6
Y AIR
30
75
70
90%
70
70 %
20
80
25
65
70
100 90
14.0
60
15
65
80 70
65
60
.5
55
10
60 55 50
60 %
55
50 %
60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40
50 45
.4
60
% 40
30 %
.3
40 35
0
45 40
13.0
30 20 10
30 25 15
10
.2
55
35
-5
20
15 20
-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5
0 0
5
0
10
5
25
30
20%
.1
12.0
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 25 30 35 40 45

10

15 20
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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 Instructors 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.
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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.
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Psychrometric

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PDH Course M226

Psychrometric Chart Fundamentals and its application to HVAC Troubleshooting

PDH Course M226

PDH Course M226

PDH Course M226

PSYCHRO M ETRIC CHART

300 1.9 290

280 270 260 95 250

180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110

55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

-25 -30 -25

Linric Company Psychrometric Chart, www.linric.com

DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - F

PDH Course M226

The Psychrometric Chart an Overview

PDH Course M226

Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY

180 170 160

TEM PER ATU RE -

150 140 130 120 110

55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5

Linric Company Psychrometric Chart, www.linric.com

DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - F

ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR

PDH Course M226

Latent versus Sensible Changes

Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY

180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90

55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5

Y MIDIT VE HU ELATI 10% R

Linric Company Psychrometric Chart, www.linric.com

DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - F

ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR

PDH Course M226

Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY

180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110

What is the Dew Point? (DP)

55 60 50 DEW POINT - F 40 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

-5 -25 -20 -15 -10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5

Linric Company Psychrometric Chart, www.linric.com

DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - F

ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR

PDH Course M226

Impact to Relative Humidity from Sensible Changes

Heavy Text Bullet Slide Sample

HUMIDITY RATIO - GRAINS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

VAPOR PRESSURE - INCHES OF MERCURY

180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110

Answer: 25.98% What if we cool to 55oF instead?

55 60 50 50 45 DEW POINT - F 40 35 30 25 20 10 0 -40

-10 -5 -25 -20 -15 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5

Linric Company Psychrometric Chart, www.linric.com

DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - F

ENTHALPY - BTU PER POUND OF DRY AIR