UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

AIR CONDITIONING PROCESS

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE SUBJECT

AIR CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION SYSTEM

SUBMITTED BY:

JOHN PAUL T. ILAO

1100840

BSME 5-5

SUBMITTED TO:

ENGR. KELVIN MARANAN

INSTRUCTOR

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Psychrometric Processes

In the domestic and industrial air conditioning applications some psychrometric

processes have to be performed on the air to change the psychrometric properties of air
so as to obtain certain values of temperature and humidity of air within the enclosed
space. Some of the common psychrometric processes carried out on air are: sensible
heating and cooling of air, humidification and dehumidification of air, mixing of various
streams of air, or there may be combinations of the various processes.

Illustrating and analyzing the psychrometric properties and psychrometric

processes by using the psychrometric chart is very easy, convenient and time saving. In
the next few paragraphs we shall see some of the most commonly employed
psychrometric processes in the field of HVAC and how they are represented on the
psychrometric chart.

SENSIBLE COOLING

Cooling of the air is one of the most common psychrometric processes in the air
conditioning systems. The basic function of the air-conditioners is to cool the air
absorbed from the room or the atmosphere, which is at higher temperatures. The
sensible cooling of air is the process in which only the sensible heat of the air is
removed so as to reduce its temperature, and there is no change in the moisture
content (kg/kg of dry air) of the air. During sensible cooling process the dry bulb (DB)
temperature and wet bulb (WB) temperature of the air reduces, while the latent heat of
the air, and the dew point (DP) temperature of the air remains constant. There is overall
reduction in the enthalpy of the air.

In the ordinary window or the split air conditioner the cooling of air is carried out
by passing it over the evaporator coil, also called as the cooling coil. The room air or the
atmospheric air passes over this coil carrying the refrigerant at extremely low
temperatures, and gets cooled and passes to the space which is to be maintained at the
comfort conditions.

In general the sensible cooling process is carried out by passing the air over the
coil. In the unitary air conditioners these coils are cooled by the refrigerant passing
through them and are called also called evaporator coils. In central air conditioners
these coils are cooled by the chilled water, which is chilled by its passage through the
evaporator of the large air conditioning system. In certain cases the coil is also cooled
by the some gas passing inside it.

The sensible cooling process is represented by a straight horizontal line on

the psychrometric chart. The line starts from the initial DB temperature of the air and
ends at the final DB temperature of the air extending towards the left side from high
temperature to the low temperature (see the figure below). The sensible cooling line is
also the constant DP temperature line since the moisture content of the air remains
constant. The initial and final points on the psychrometric chart give all the properties of
the air.

 Dry cooling technology, both air cooled condensers (ACC) and air fin coolers (AFC),
represent a substantial portion of B&W SPIG’s global business, as water
preservation is increasingly becoming a priority for plant owners and operators. This
environmentally sound technology features no hot water discharge and requires little
maintenance.

 B&W SPIG can supply both mechanical and natural draft wet cooling tower systems
and design for a wide range of project specifications such as high seismic loads,
vibration control, corrosion resistance, noise control, sub-freezing operation, and sea
water use. Cooling towers can be manufacture using fiber reinforce polymer (FRP),
concrete or wood.

 As water preservation increasingly becomes a priority for plant owners and

operators, dry cooling technologies offer a viable alternative to wet cooling systems
in many applications. B&W SPIG is an expert in the supply of specialized direct dry
cooling technology, or air fin coolers, for closed loop cooling applications.

SENSIBLE HEATING

Sensible heating process is opposite to sensible cooling process. In sensible

heating process the temperature of air is increased without changing its moisture
content. During this process the sensible heat, DB and WB temperature of the air
increases while latent of air, and the DP point temperature of the air remains constant.

Sensible heating of the air is important when the air conditioner is used as the
heat pump to heat the air. In the heat pump the air is heated by passing it over the
condenser coil or the heating coil that carry the high temperature refrigerant. In some
cases the heating of air is also done to suit different industrial and comfort air-
conditioning applications where large air conditioning systems are used.

In general the sensible heating process is carried out by passing the air over the
heating coil. This coil may be heated by passing the refrigerant, the hot water, the
steam or by electric resistance heating coil. The hot water and steam are used for the
industrial applications.

 For example, in a cooling system condensation forms due to removal of latent heat,
and the refrigerant (cooling liquid) changes temperature due to sensible heat. The
 sensible heat capacity then describes the capacity required to lower the temperature
whereas latent heat capacity to remove the moisture from the air.

 Like for example, it warms water than melting ice. In other words, it is the heat that
can be felt standing near a fire, or standing outside on a sunny day. Sensible heat is
used in constant to latent heat (the heat needed to change from one form of matter
to another, which doesn’t change temperature), as the two are essentially opposite.

 Water is at 25°C at atmosphere pressure, you heat it and its temperature goes to
75°C. The heat you added a sensible heat since it just change the temperature of
water. If you heat a water at 100°C at atmospheric pressure and it becomes vapor
with same temperature i.e. 100°C, then that added heat is called latent heat. So the
sensible heat is the heat which causes change of the temperature of a substance
without changing the phase of the substance.

HUMIDIFYING

The process in which the moisture or water vapor or humidity is added to the air
without changing its dry bulb (DB) temperature is called as humidification process. This
process is represented by a straight vertical line on the psychrometric chart starting
from the initial value of relative humidity, extending upwards and ending at the final
value of the relative humidity. In actual practice the pure humidification process is not
possible, since the humidification is always accompanied by cooling or heating of the
air. Humidification process along with cooling or heating is used in number of air
conditioning applications. Let us see how these processes are obtained and how they
are represented on the psychrometric chart.

This article describes psychrometric processes like humidification, cooling and

humidification, and heating and humidification. The article describes how these
processes are achieved and how they are represented on the psychrometric chart.

 Steam-to-steam humidifiers produce pure, sterile steam that can be distributed to air
ducts or air handling units. These humidifiers are used for buildings and large
institutions that have a central boiler system, such as hospitals, cleanrooms and
data centers.
 In order to replicate Mediterreanean surroundings, orchard rooms and orangeries
must have humidity controlled accurately. Citrus fruits thrive in conditions of around
30-60% humidity, so a reliable system is essential for maintaining consistency.

 Unlike other Humidifiers, water spray systems use room temperature water instead
of steam. Water spray humidifiers are used in timber processing, as shown below.
 Water sprays are also used in textile and paper mills to reduce fire hazards and in
greenhouses to maintain humidity.

 Walk-in humidors, where cigars, cigarettes and tobacco are stored, require constant,
stable humidity of around 68-72% to keep the product moist. If humidity exceeds
75% then there is a risk that tobacco beetles, a common pest, may hatch and attack
the goods.

 If wine corks are allowed to dry out, they can lose their capacity to provide an
adequate seal (incidentally, this is why bottles are stored horizontally – so the wine
is always in contact with cork, keeping it moist). When this happens, the wine is
liable to oxidize, leading to a loss of colour, flavor and aroma. High humidity may
also cause a problem as too much moisture may damage the labels of wine bottles.
A humidity of 75% is ideal in a wine cellar

 Items stored and presented in museums and private collections – such as works of
art and antique furniture – may perish if not kept in the right conditions. Precise
humidification is essential for preserving such items, as picture frames and antique
furniture may warp and brittle canvasses can crack or split in a dry environment.

 As wood is subjected to changes in air moisture, it expands and contracts, which in

the case of wooden stringed musical instrument can lead to cracks and the failure of
joints and seams. The changing shape of an instrument means that the sound it
produces is significantly affected, which for a musician is simply not acceptable.
Experts recommend instruments are stored in 40-60% humidity.

DEHUMIDIFYING

The process in which the moisture or water vapor or the humidity is removed
from the air keeping its dry bulb (DB) temperature constant is called as the
dehumidification process. This process is represented by a straight vertical line on the
psychrometric chart starting from the initial value of relative humidity, extending
downwards and ending at the final value of the relative humidity. Like the pure
humidification process, in actual practice the pure dehumidification process is not
possible, since the dehumidification is always accompanied by cooling or heating of the
air. Dehumidification process along with cooling or heating is used in number of air
conditioning applications. Let us see how these processes are obtained and how they
are represented on the psychrometric chart.

This article describes psychrometric processes like dehumidification, cooling and

dehumidification, and heating and dehumidification. The article describes how these
processes are achieved and how they are represented on the psychrometric chart.
 In handling of hygroscope materials, the quality of dry drugs, dry food, hard candy
and other hygroscope materials can only be maintained through production to the
consumer if it is kept in contact with air at a low relative humidity. If your products
form lumps, degrade quickly, or get sticky you should consider dehumidification.
Most materials demand dew-points so low that they can only be achieved by
sorption dehumidifiers.

 In ice formation, Ice will not form on a surface if the air in contact with it has a dew-
point lower than the surface temperature. Ice formation is a problem in for example
cold storages where it will cause a lower efficiency in the cooling machinery.
Dehumidification will keep the ice away.

 In drying buildings, heating will only move the moisture to another part of the
building, heating in combination with outdoor ventilation will create high energy
costs. With sorption dehumidifying the moisture is moved out of the building in a very
energy efficient way.

 In handling of hygroscope materials, the quality of dry drugs, dry food, hard candy
and other hygroscope materials can only be maintained through production to the
consumer if it is kept in contact with air at a low relative humidity. If your products
form lumps, degrade quickly, or get sticky you should consider dehumidification.
Most materials demand dew-points so low that they can only be achieved by
sorption dehumidifiers.

 In ice formation, Ice will not form on a surface if the air in contact with it has a dew-
point lower than the surface temperature. Ice formation is a problem in for example
cold storages where it will cause a lower efficiency in the cooling machinery.
Dehumidification will keep the ice away.

 In drying buildings, heating will only move the moisture to another part of the
building, heating in combination with outdoor ventilation will create high energy
costs. With sorption dehumidifying the moisture is moved out of the building in a very
energy efficient way.

COOLING AND HUMIDIFICATION

Cooling and humidification process is one of the most commonly used air
conditioning application for the cooling purposes. In this process the moisture is added
to the air by passing it over the stream or spray of water which is at temperature lower
than the dry bulb temperature of the air. When the ordinary air passes over the stream
of water, the particles of water present within the stream tend to get evaporated by
giving up the heat to the stream. The evaporated water is absorbed by the air so its
moisture content, thus the humidity increases. At the same time, since the temperature
of the absorbed moisture is less than the DB bulb temperature of the air, there is
reduction in the overall temperature of the air. Since the heat is released in the stream
or spray of water, its temperature increases.

One of the most popular applications of cooling and humidification is the

evaporative cooler, also called as the desert cooler. The evaporative cooler is the sort of
big box inside which is a small water tank, small water pump and the fan. The water
from the tank is circulated by the pump and is also sprayed inside the box. The fan
blows strong currents of air over the water sprays, thus cooling the air and humidifying it
simultaneously. The evaporative cooler is highly effective cooling devise having very
low initial and running cost compared to the unitary air conditioners. For cooling
purposes, the cooling and humidification process can be used only in dry and hot
climates like desert areas, countries like India, China, Africa etc. This cooling process
cannot be used in hot and high humidity climates.

The cooling and humidification process is also used in various industries like
textile, where certain level of temperature and moisture content has to be maintained. In
such cases large quantity of water is sprayed, and large blowers are used to blow the
air over the spray of water.

During the cooling and humidification process the dry bulb of the air reduces, its
wet bulb and the dew point temperature increases, while its moisture content and thus
the relative humidity also increases. Also, the sensible heat of the air reduces, while the
latent heat of the air increases resulting in the overall increase in the enthalpy of the air.

 One of the most popular applications of cooling and humidification is the evaporator
cooler, also called as the desert cooler. The evaporative cooler is the sort of big box
inside which is small water tank, small water pump and the fan. The water from the
tank circulates by the pump and is also sprayed inside the box. The fan blows strong
currents of air over the water sprays, thus cooling the air and humidifying it
simultaneously. The evaporative cooler is highly effective cooling device having very
low initial and running cost compared to the unitary air conditioners.

 For cooling purposes, the cooling and humidification process can be used only in dry
bulb and hot climates like desert areas, countries like India, China, Africa etc. this
cooling process cannot be used in hot and high humidity climates.

 It is also used in various industries like textile, where certain level of temperature
and moisture content has to be maintained. In such cases large quantity of water is
sprayed, and large blowers are used to blow the air over the spray of water.
HEATING AND HUMIDIFYING

In heating and humidification psychrometric process of the air, the dry bulb
temperature as well as the humidity of the air increases. The heating and humidification
process is carried out by passing the air over spray of water, which is maintained at
temperature higher than the dry bulb temperature of air or by mixing air and the steam.

When the ordinary air is passed over the spray of water maintained at
temperature higher than the dry bulb temperature of the air, the moisture particles from
the spray tend to get evaporated and get absorbed in the air due to which the moisture
content of the air increase. At the same time, since the temperature of the moisture is
greater than the dry bulb temperature of the air, there is overall increase in its
temperature.

During heating and humidification process the dry bulb, wet bulb, and dew point
temperature of the air increases along with its relative humidity. The heating and
humidification process is represented on the psychrometric chart by an angular line that
starts from the given value of the dry bulb temperature and extends upwards towards
right (see the figure below).

HEATING AND DEHUMIDIFYING

The process in which the air is heated and at the same time moisture is removed
from it is called as heating and dehumidification process. This process is obtained by
passing the air over certain chemicals like alumina and molecular sieves. These
elements have inherent properties due to which they keep on releasing the heat and
also have the tendency to absorb the moisture. These are called as the hygroscopic
chemicals.

In actual practice the hygroscopic elements are enclosed in the large vessel and
the high pressure air is passed inside the vessel through one opening. When the air
comes in contact with the chemicals the moisture from the air is absorbed and since the
chemicals emit heat, the DB temperature of the air increases. The hot and dehumidified
air comes out from the vessel through other opening in the vessel. The inlet and outlet
openings of the vessel are controlled by the valve.

The heating and humidification process is commonly used for reducing the dew
point temperature of air. There are number of automatic valves in the chemical plants
that are operated by the compressed air at high pressure. If the dew point temperature
of this air is high, there are chances of formation of dew inside the valves which can
lead to their corrosion and also faulty their operation. Thus it is very important that the
air passing to such automatic valves have very low dew point temperature. The heating
and dehumidification process by using hygroscopic materials is used often in the air
drying units.

During the heating and dehumidification process dry bulb temperature of the air
increases while its dew point and wet bulb temperature reduces. On the psychrometric
chart, this process is represented by a straight angular line starting from the given DB
temperature conditions and extending downwards towards right to the final DB
temperature conditions.

COOLING AND DEHUMIDIFYING

The process in which the air is cooled sensibly and at the same time the moisture
is removed from it is called as cooling and dehumidification process. Cooling and
dehumidification process is obtained when the air at the given dry bulb and dew point
(DP) temperature is cooled below the dew point temperature.

Let us understand the cooling and dehumidification process in more details.

When the air comes in contact with the cooling coil that is maintained at the temperature
below its dew point temperature, its DB temperature starts reducing. The process of
cooling continues and at some point it reaches the value of dew point temperature of
the air. At this point the water vapor within the air starts getting converted into the dew
particles due to which the dew is formed on the surface of the cooling and the moisture
content of the air reduces thereby reducing its humidity level. Thus when the air is
cooled below its dew point temperature, there is cooling as well as dehumidification of
air.

The cooling and dehumidification process is most widely used air conditioning
application. It is used in all types of window, split, packaged and central air conditioning
systems for producing the comfort conditions inside the space to be cooled. In the
window and split air conditioners the evaporator coil or cooling coil is maintained at
temperature lower than the dew point temperature of the room air or the atmospheric air
by the cool refrigerant passing through it. When the room air passes over this coil its DB
temperature reduces and at the same time moisture is also removed since the air is
cooled below its DP temperature. The dew formed on the cooling coil is removed out by
small tubing. In the central air conditioning systems the cooling coil is cooled by the
refrigerant or the chilled water. When the room air passes over this coil, it gets cooled
and dehumidified.
 In the general the cooling and dehumidification process is obtained by passing
the air over coil through which the cool refrigerant, chilled water or cooled gas is
passed.
During the cooling and dehumidification process the dry bulb, wet bulb and the dew
point temperature of air reduces. Similarly, the sensible heat and the latent heat of the
air also reduce leading to overall reduction in the enthalpy of the air. The cooling and
dehumidification process is represented by a straight angular line on the psychrometric
chart. The line starts from the given value of the DB temperature and extends
downwards towards left.
 It is used in all types of window, split, packaged and central air conditioning systems
for producing the comfort conditions inside the space to be cooled.

 This process is used in air-conditioning system operating in hot, humid climates.

Typical cooling and dehumidifying process include chilled water and refrigerant
cooling coils which condition re-circulated room air or mixtures of re-circulated air
outdoor air which is introduced for ventilation. The cooling coil shall have a surface
temperature below the dew-point temperature of water vapor in air for effective
condensation.

 In central air conditioning system the cooling coil is cooled by the refrigerant or the
chilled water. When the room air passes over this coil, it gets cooled and
dehumidified.

 In the window and split air conditioners the evaporator coil or cooling coil is
maintained at temperature lower than the dew point temperature of the room air or
the atmospheric air by the cool refrigerant passing through it. When the room air
passes over this coil its DB temperature reduces and at the same time moisture is
also removed since the air is cooled below its dew-point temperature. The dew
formed on the cooling coil is removed out by small tubing.