Fundamentals of HVAC Design
Part 1 : Basics & Psychometrics
HVAC & Psychometrics – Summary
1) Heat Transfer Between Air and Surfaces
• When cold air meets a hot surface → heat transfers from the surface to
air → air warms, expands, becomes lighter, and rises (Natural
Convection).
• When hot air meets a cold surface → air loses heat → cools, becomes
heavier, and sinks.
• If the surface temperature is below the dew point of air, condensation
occurs.
Examples of condensation:
• AC diffusers sweating
• Duct sweating
• Cold glass cup in summer
2) Dew Point
Definition:
The temperature at which air starts releasing water vapor as liquid.
Key rules: Condensation occurs when moist air touches a surface colder
than
the dew point.
3) Why Fresh Air Must Be Above Dew Point
If supply/fresh air temperature is below room dew point:
• Condensation forms on ducts and diffusers
• Water leakage in ceilings
• Mold and corrosion risk
Design rule:
Supply Air Temperature ≥ Dew Point + 2–3°C
Typical buildings:
• Room temp ≈ 24–25°C
• Dew point ≈ 14–17°C
4) Why Air Suddenly Cools at a Cold Surface
Air does not cool by itself.
It cools because heat transfers instantly to the colder surface.
Examples:
• Cooling coil
• Cold glass surface
• Bathroom mirror after shower
5) Why Warm Air Holds More Moisture
Air behaves like a sponge:
Warm Air Cold Air
Big sponge Small sponge
As temperature increases:
• Air molecules move faster
• Space between molecules increases
• Capacity to hold vapor increases
Example (at saturation):
• 30°C → ~30 g/kg
• 20°C → ~15 g/kg
• 10°C → ~7 g/kg
6) Humidity Ratio (W)
Definition:
Actual amount of water vapor in air.
Unit:
g water / kg dry air
Important:
Humidity Ratio changes only when:
• Water evaporates
• Condensation occurs
7) Relative Humidity vs Humidity Ratio
Property Relative Humidity (RH) Humidity Ratio (W)
Meaning Air fullness with moisture Actual moisture amount
Changes ↓↓ Constant
Heating
Increase air capacity of vapor Same moisture amount
Changes ↑↑ Constant
Cooling
decrease air capacity of vapor Same moisture amount
Changes ↓↓ Changes ↓↓
Condensation
decrease amount of vapor decrease amount of vapor
Changes ↑↑ Changes ↑↑
Evaporation
increase amount of vapor increase amount of vapor
Golden rule:
RH changes with temperature.
Humidity ratio changes only when water is added or removed.
8) Why Relative Humidity Changes
Heating Air
• Moisture amount stays constant
• Air capacity increases
→ RH decreases
Cooling Without Condensation
• Moisture amount stays constant
• Air capacity decreases
→ RH increases
Cooling With Condensation
• Air releases water
→ Humidity ratio decreases
9) Inclined Line in Psychrometric Chart
Represents Evaporative Cooling.
During evaporative cooling:
• Dry bulb temperature decreases
• Humidity ratio increases
• Total energy remains constant
Reason:
Sensible heat lost = Latent heat gained
This is a Constant Enthalpy Process.
Applications:
• Evaporative coolers
• Cooling towers
10) Wet Bulb Temperature
Definition:
The lowest temperature air can reach using evaporation only.
During evaporative cooling:
• Temperature decreases
• Moisture increases
• Wet bulb temperature remains constant
Golden rule:
Wet Bulb = Limit of evaporative cooling.
❖ Final Golden Summary
1. Warm air holds more moisture than cold air.
2. Condensation occurs when surface temperature < dew point.
3. Supply air must be above dew point.
4. RH changes with temperature.
5. Humidity ratio changes only when moisture changes.
6. Inclined line = evaporative cooling (constant enthalpy).
7. Wet bulb = evaporative cooling limit
Psychrometric Chart