Republic of the Philippines

BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

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LESSON 4
Psychrometry

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to gain a comprehensive

understanding of the fundamental principles of psychrometry, including its significance and
practical applications across various industries and everyday life.

In this lesson, you are expected to:

a) Understand psychrometry;
b) Identify and describe the composition of air;
c) Explore key psychrometric properties;
d) Apply thermodynamic properties of moist air and saturated air;
e) Analyze the Structure of Psychrometric Charts; and
f) Examine Typical Air-Conditioning Processes.

Welcome to the fascinating world of Psychrometry! In this lesson, we will explore the
study of air and water vapor mixtures, and how their properties affect various applications
such as air conditioning, drying processes, and more. Psychrometry plays a crucial role in
understanding the behavior of moist air and its impact on our daily lives and industries.

To kick off our lesson, let's begin with an engaging activity. Imagine you are standing
in a room with different humidity levels. How does it feel when the air is very dry versus
when it is very humid? Discuss your experiences with your classmates and note down how
different humidity levels affect your comfort and energy levels.

Before we dive into the main content, let's take a short diagnostic quiz to assess your
prior knowledge on the subject:

1. What is the primary component of dry air?

2. How does humidity affect the human body?
3. What is the significance of dew point temperature?

Take a few minutes to answer these questions. Don't worry if you don't know all the
answers yet; we'll cover everything in detail throughout the lesson.

Psychrometry

Psychrometry is the branch of science that deals with the study of the properties of
air-water vapor mixtures. It is crucial for understanding and controlling the moisture content
of the air, which significantly impacts various applications in industries and everyday life.

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Composition of Dry and Moist Air

Atmospheric air contains a variety of gaseous components along with water vapor
and miscellaneous contaminants such as smoke, pollen, and pollutants that are not usually
present in air far from pollution sources.

Dry air refers to atmospheric air from which all water vapor and contaminants have
been removed. While the composition of dry air remains relatively constant, small variations
in the proportions of individual components can occur due to changes in time, geographic
location, and altitude. According to Harrison (1965), the approximate volume composition of
dry air is: nitrogen (78.084%), oxygen (20.9476%), argon (0.934%), carbon dioxide
(0.0314%), neon (0.001818%), helium (0.000524%), methane (0.00015%), sulfur dioxide (0
to 0.0001%), hydrogen (0.00005%), and minor components such as krypton, xenon, and
ozone (0.0002%). The relative molecular mass of dry air is 28.9645 based on the carbon-12
scale, and the gas constant for dry air is given by:

Moist air is a binary mixture consisting of dry air and water vapor. The amount of
water vapor in moist air can vary from zero (dry air) to a maximum that depends on
temperature and pressure, known as saturation. Saturation represents a state of neutral
equilibrium between moist air and the condensed water phase (liquid or solid). Unless
specified otherwise, saturation refers to a flat interface surface between moist air and the
condensed phase. Saturation conditions can change when the interface radius is very
small, such as with ultrafine water droplets. The relative molecular mass of water is
18.01528 based on the carbon-12 scale, and the gas constant for water vapor is:

Psychrometric Properties

• Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT) – The temperature of the moist air is measured by a
standard thermometer or other temperature measuring instruments.

• Saturated Vapor Pressure (Psat) – This is the saturated partial pressure of water
vapor at the dry bulb temperature.

• Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT) – Temperature of the moist air as measured by a

standard thermometer when a wet wick winds its bulb.

• Dew Point Temperature (DPT) – If unsaturated moist air is cooled at constant

pressure, the temperature at which moisture in the air begins to condense is called
DPT.

• Humidity Ratio or Specific Humidity (W) is the mass of water vapor associated with
each kilogram of dry air.
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• Relative Humidity (RH) – the ratio of the mole fraction of water vapor in moist air to
the mole fraction of water vapor in saturated air at the same temperature and
pressure

• Degree of Saturation (µ) is the ratio of the humidity ratio (W) to the humidity ratio of a
saturated mixture (Ws) at the same temperature and pressure.

Where:
𝜔 is the humidity ratio (actual mass of water vapor per unit mass of dry air).
𝜔𝑠 is the saturation humidity ratio (mass of water vapor per unit mass of dry air when
the air is fully saturated).

• Enthalpy of Moist Air is the sum of the enthalpy of the dry air and the enthalpy of the
water vapor.

• Humid specific heat is the specific heat of moist air per kg of dry air

• Specific Volume is defined as the number of cubic meters of moist air per kilogram of
dry air.

Thermodynamic Properties of Moist Air

Table 1, developed from formulas by Hyland and Wexler (1983a,b), shows values of
thermodynamic properties of moist air based on the thermodynamic temperature scale.
This ideal scale differs slightly from practical temperature scales used for physical
measurements. For example, the standard boiling point for water (at 101.325 kPa) occurs
at 99.97°C on this scale rather than at the traditional value of 100°C. Most measurements
are currently based on the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) (Preston
Thomas 1990).
The following paragraphs briefly describe each column of Table 1:
• t = Celsius temperature
• Ws = humidity ratio at saturation
• Vda = specific volume of dry air, m3/kg (dry air).
• Vs = specific volume of moist air at saturation, m3/kg (dry air).
• hda = specific enthalpy of dry air, kJ/kg (dry air).
• has = hs − hda, difference between specific enthalpy of moist air at saturation and
that of dry air itself, kJ/kg (dry air)
• hs = specific enthalpy of moist air at saturation, kJ/kg (dry air).
• sda = specific entropy of dry air, kJ/(kg·K) (dry air).
• sas = ss − sda, difference between specific entropy of moist air at saturation and
that of dry air itself, kJ/(kg·K) (dry air)
• ss = specific entropy of moist air at saturation kJ/(kg·K) (dry air).
• hw = specific enthalpy of condensed water (liquid or solid)
• sw = specific entropy of condensed water (liquid or solid)
• ps = vapor pressure of water in saturated moist air, kPa.
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Table 1. Thermodynamic Properties of Moist Air at Standard Atmospheric Pressure, 101.325

kPa

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Thermodynamic Properties of Saturated Water

Table 2 provides the thermodynamic properties of water at saturation for

temperatures ranging from -60 to 160°C, based on the formulations by Hyland and Wexler
(1983b). The symbols used in the table adhere to the standard steam table nomenclature
and are derived from the thermodynamic temperature scale. The enthalpy and entropy of
saturated liquid water are both set to zero at the triple point, which is 0.01°C. Between the
triple-point and critical-point temperatures of water, liquid and vapor states can coexist in
equilibrium, referred to as saturated liquid and saturated vapor.

The saturation pressure of water vapor is essential for determining several moist air
properties, particularly the saturation humidity ratio. These values can be obtained from
Table 3 or calculated using the formulas provided by Hyland and Wexler (1983b).

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Table 2. Thermodynamic Properties of Water at Saturation

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Psychrometric Charts

Psychrometric charts graphically depict the relationships between different properties

of moist air, such as temperature, humidity, enthalpy, and specific volume. By using this
chart, one can easily determine multiple air properties and understand how they interact
under varying conditions.

Psychrometric charts are essential tools in various fields, particularly in HVAC

(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) engineering, meteorology, and environmental
science. They visually represent the complex interactions between air properties, making it
easier to analyze and optimize ecological conditions.

The properties in psychrometry are all interrelated and work together to describe the
condition and behavior of moist air. Understanding these relationships is essential for
analyzing and controlling air properties in various applications, such as HVAC systems,
meteorology, and industrial processes. Here’s an overview of the key psychrometric
properties and their relationships:

1. Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT):

This is the temperature of the air measured by a regular thermometer. It is the base
temperature from which other properties are measured and is plotted on the horizontal axis
of the psychrometric chart.
2. Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT):
This is the temperature measured by a thermometer with a wet cloth wrapped
around its bulb. It indicates the cooling effect of evaporation. The wet bulb temperature is
always lower than or equal to the dry bulb temperature. It helps in determining the relative
humidity and is represented by diagonal lines on the chart.
3. Dew Point Temperature (DPT):
This is the temperature at which air becomes saturated and water vapor starts to
condense into liquid water. It is directly related to the moisture content of the air. The dew
point temperature can be found by moving horizontally from a point on the psychrometric
chart to the saturation line (100% RH).
4. Relative Humidity (RH):
This is the ratio of the current amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum
amount it can hold at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage. Relative humidity is
depicted by curved lines on the psychrometric chart.
5. Humidity Ratio (W):
Also known as specific humidity, this is the mass of water vapor per unit mass of dry
air. It is plotted on the vertical axis of the psychrometric chart. The humidity ratio increases
as the air becomes more humid.
6. Enthalpy (h):
This is the total heat content of the air, including both sensible heat (due to
temperature) and latent heat (due to moisture content). Enthalpy is represented by diagonal
lines on the psychrometric chart. It helps in calculating the energy required for heating or
cooling processes.
7. Specific Volume (v):
This is the volume occupied by a unit mass of dry air. It is depicted by diagonal lines
on the psychrometric chart and is influenced by both temperature and moisture content.
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8. Saturation Line:
Also known as the 100% relative humidity line, it represents the state where the air is
fully saturated with moisture. At any point along this line, the dew point temperature equals
the dry bulb temperature.

Relationships Between Properties:

• DBT and RH:
For a given dry bulb temperature, as relative humidity increases, the air holds more
moisture, moving closer to the saturation line.
• DBT and WBT:
The difference between dry bulb temperature and wet bulb temperature indicates the
relative humidity. A smaller difference means higher humidity.
• DBT and DPT:
Dew point temperature is an indicator of the absolute moisture content. For a given
dry bulb temperature, a higher dew point means a higher humidity ratio and vice versa.
• W, h, and v:
Humidity ratio, enthalpy, and specific volume are interrelated through the moisture
content and temperature of the air. As humidity increases, the enthalpy and specific volume
also increase.

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Structure of a Psychrometric Chart

The psychrometric chart consists of several axes and curves, each representing
different thermodynamic properties:

• Horizontal Axis: Represents the dry-bulb temperature (actual air temperature). see
fig 1
• Vertical Axis: Represents the humidity ratio (amount of water vapor per unit mass of
dry air). see fig 2
• Curved Lines: Represent the relative humidity (percentage of moisture in the air
relative to the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature). see fig 3
• Diagonal Lines: Represent the wet-bulb temperature (temperature measured by a
thermometer covered with a wet cloth). see fig 4
• Enthalpy Lines: Diagonal lines that represent the total heat content of the air-water
vapor mixture. see fig 5
• Specific Volume Lines: Lines that indicate the volume occupied by a unit mass of
moist air. see fig 6

Figures:

(1) (2)

(3) (4)
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(5) (6)

Typical Air-Conditioning Processes

The ASHRAE psychrometric chart is a valuable tool for addressing various moist air
process challenges. Its application is most effectively demonstrated through illustrative
examples. In each of the following cases, the process occurs at a constant total pressure of
101.325 kPa.

Moist Air Sensible Heating or Cooling

The process of solely adding or removing heat from moist air is depicted by a
horizontal line on the ASHRAE chart, as the humidity ratio remains constant. Figure 2
illustrates a device that adds heat to a stream of moist air. Under steady flow conditions, the
necessary rate of heat addition is

Example 1. Moist air, saturated at 2°C, enters a heating coil at a rate of 10 m3/s. Air
leaves the coil at 40°C. Find the required rate of heat addition.

Figure 4.1. Schematic of Device for Heating Moist air

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Solution: The figure at the right

schematically shows the
solution. State 1 is located on
the saturation curve at 2°C.
Thus:
• h1 = 13.0 kJ/kg (dry air),
• W1 = 4.3 g (water) / kg
(dry air), and
• v1 = 0.784 m3/kg (dry air).

State 2 is located at the intersection of t=40°C and W 2=W1=4.3g (water)/kg

(dry air). Thus:
• h2 = 51.6 kJ/kg (dry air)
• The mass flow of dry air is:

• The rate of heat addition:

Moist Air Cooling and Dehumidification

Moisture condensation occurs when moist air is cooled to a temperature below its
initial dew point. The figure below presents a schematic of a cooling coil, where moist air is
assumed to be uniformly processed. Although water can be removed at various
temperatures, ranging from the initial dew point to the final saturation temperature, it is
assumed that the condensed water is cooled to the final air temperature 𝑡2 before it drains
from the system.

For the system depicted in the figure, the steady flow energy and material balance
equations are:

Thus:

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Example 2. Moist air at 30°C dry-bulb temperature and 50% rh enters a cooling coil
at 5 m3/s and is processed to a final saturation condition at 10°C. Find
the kW of refrigeration required.

Solution:

State 1 is located at the intersection of t= 30°C

and 50% RH. Thus:
• h1 = 64.3 kJ/kg (dry air),
• W1 = 13.3 g (water)/kg (dry air), and
• v1 = 0.877 m3/kg (dry air).

State 2 is located on the saturation curve at

10°C. Thus:
• h2 = 29.5 kJ/kg (dry air) and
• W2 = 7.66 g (water)/kg (dry air).
• hw2 = 42.11 kJ/kg (water) (specific enthalpy
for condensed water from table 2)
• The mass flow of dry air is:

• Refrigeration Power (kW):

Assessments

Formative Assessments

I. Short Answer Questions:

a. Define psychrometry and explain its importance in everyday life and various
industries.

b. Describe the composition of dry air and moist air. What are the major
components of dry air?

c. Explain the difference between dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, and
dew point temperature.

d. How do you use a psychrometric chart to determine the dew point temperature of
air?

Summative Assessments

II. Problem-Solving Exercises:

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1. Given: Dry bulb temperature (DBT) = 25°C, Relative Humidity (RH) = 60%
Using a psychrometric chart, determine the wet bulb temperature (WBT) and
dew point temperature (DPT).
2. Given: Moist air at 30°C DBT and 50% RH enters a cooling coil at 5 m³/s and is
processed to a final saturation condition at 10°C.
Find the rate of heat removal required (kW of refrigeration).

3. Given: Dry bulb temperature (DBT) = 20°C and wet bulb temperature (WBT) =
15°C.
Calculate the relative humidity and specific volume of the air using the
psychrometric chart.

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REFERENCES
2001 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook (SI)
Peralta, P. The Psychrometric Chart: Theory and Application

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