PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

Psychrometric Chart
Fundamentals

Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 38
Definitions ............................................................................................................ 38
Description of the Psychrometric Chart ............................................................................................................ 39

The Abridged Psychrometric Chart ............................................................................................................ 40

Examples of Air Mixing Process ............................................................................................................ 42
Air Conditioning Processes ............................................................................................................ 43
Heating Process .................................................................................. 43
Cooling Process .................................................................................. 44
Humidifying Process ............................................................................................................ 44
Basic Process ...................................................................................... 44
Steam Jet Humidifier ....................................................................... 46
Air Washes ...................................................................................... 49
Vaporizing Humidifier ...................................................................... 50
Cooling and Dehumidification .............................................................. 51
Basic Process ................................................................................. 51
Air Washes ...................................................................................... 51
Dehumidification and Reheat .............................................................. 52
Process Summary ............................................................................... 53
ASHRAE Psychrometric Charts ............................................................................................................ 53

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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

INTRODUCTION
This section provides information on use of the psychrometric changes in relation to the performance of automatic HVAC
chart as applied to air conditioning processes. The chart provides control systems. The chart is also useful in troubleshooting a
a graphic representation of the properties of moist air including system.
wet- and dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point,
moisture content, enthalpy, and air density. The chart is used to For additional information about control of the basic
plot the changes that occur in the air as it passes through an air processes in air handling systems, refer to the Air Handling
handling system and is particularly useful in understanding these System Control Applications section.

DEFINITIONS
To use these charts effectively, terms describing the Moisture content (humidity ratio): The amount of water
thermodynamic properties of moist air must be understood. contained in a unit mass of dry air. Most humidifiers
Definition of these terms follow as they relate to the are rated in grains of moisture per pound of dry air
psychrometric chart. Additional terms are included for devices rather than pounds of moisture. To convert pounds to
commonly used to measure the properties of air. grains, multiply pounds by 7000 (7000 grains equals
one pound).
Adiabatic process: A process in which there is neither loss
nor gain of total heat. The heat merely changes from Relative humidity: The ratio of the measured amount of
sensible to latent or latent to sensible. moisture in the air to the maximum amount of moisture
the air can hold at the same temperature and pressure.
British thermal unit (Btu): The amount of heat required to Relative humidity is expressed in percent of saturation.
raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. Air with a relative humidity of 35, for example, is
holding 35 percent of the moisture that it is capable of
Density: The mass of air per unit volume. Density can be holding at that temperature and pressure.
expressed in pounds per cubic foot of dry air. This is
the reciprocal of specific volume. Saturation: A condition at which the air is unable to hold any
more moisture at a given temperature.
Dew point temperature: The temperature at which water
vapor from the air begins to form droplets and settles Sensible heat: Heat that changes the temperature of the air
or condenses on surfaces that are colder than the dew without changing its moisture content. Heat added to
point of the air. The more moisture the air contains, air by a heating coil is an example of sensible heat.
the higher its dew point temperature. When dry-bulb
and wet-bulb temperatures of the air are known, the Sling psychrometer: A device (Fig. 1) commonly used to
dew point temperature can be plotted on the measure the wet-bulb temperature. It consists of two
psychrometric chart (Fig. 4). identical thermometers mounted on a common base.
The base is pivoted on a handle so it can be whirled
Dry-bulb temperature: The temperature read directly on an through the air. One thermometer measures dry-bulb
ordinary thermometer. temperature. The bulb of the other thermometer is
encased in a water-soaked wick. This thermometer
Isothermal process: A process in which there is no change of measures wet-bulb temperature. Some models provide
dry-bulb temperature. slide rule construction which allows converting the
dry-bulb and wet-bulb readings to relative humidity.
Latent heat: Heat that changes liquid to vapor or vapor to
liquid without a change in temperature or pressure of
the moisture. Latent heat is also called the heat of
vaporization or condensation. When water is
vaporized, it absorbs heat which becomes latent heat.
When the vapor condenses, latent heat is released,
usually becoming sensible heat.

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 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

WET-BULB THERMOMETER HANDLE

WATER-SOAKED WICK

PIVOT
DRY-BULB THERMOMETER
RELATIVE HUMIDITY SCALE C1828

Fig. 1. Sling Psychrometer.

Although commonly used, sling psychrometers can Wet-bulb temperature: The temperature read on a thermom-
cause inaccurate readings, especially at low relative eter with the sensing element encased in a wet wick
humidities, because of factors such as inadequate air (stocking or sock) and with an air flow of 900 feet
flow past the wet-bulb wick, too much wick wetting per minute across the wick. Water evaporation causes
from a continuous water feed, thermometer calibration the temperature reading to be lower than the ambient
error, and human error. To take more accurate readings, dry-bulb temperature by an amount proportional to
especially in low relative humidity conditions, the moisture content of the air. The temperature re-
motorized psychrometers or hand held electronic duction is sometimes called the evaporative effect.
humidity sensors are recommended. When the reading stops falling, the value read is the
wet-bulb temperature.
Specific volume: The volume of air per unit of mass. Specific
volume can be expressed in cubic feet per pound of The wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures are the easiest
dry air. The reciprocal of density. air properties to measure. When they are known, they
can be used to determine other air properties on a
Total heat (also termed enthalpy): The sum of sensible and psychrometric chart.
latent heat expressed in Btu or calories per unit of mass
of the air. Total heat, or enthalpy, is usually measured
from zero degrees Fahrenheit for air. These values are
shown on the ASHRAE Psychrometric Charts in
Figures 33 and 34.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PSYCHROMETRIC CHART

The ASHRAE Psychrometric Chart is a graphical represen- Chart No. 1 can be used alone when no freezing temperatures
tation of the thermodynamic properties of air. There are five are encountered. Chart No. 2 is very useful, especially in
different psychrometric charts available and in use today: locations with colder temperatures. To apply the lower range
Chart No. 1 — Normal temperatures, 32 to 100F chart to an HVAC system, part of the values are plotted on
Chart No. 2 — Low temperatures, –40 to 50F Chart No. 2 and the resulting information transferred to Chart
Chart No. 3 — High temperatures, 50 to 250F No. 1. This is discussed in the EXAMPLES OF AIR MIXING
Chart No. 4 — Normal temperature at 5,000 feet above PROCESS section. These two charts allow working within the
sea level, 32 to 120F comfort range of most systems. Copies are provided in the
Chart No. 5 — Normal temperature at 7,500 feet above ASHRAE PSYCHROMETRIC CHARTS section.
sea level, 32 to 120F

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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

THE ABRIDGED PSYCHROMETRIC CHART

Figure 2 is an abridged form of Chart No. 1. Some of the The chart also contains a protractor nomograph with the
scale lines have been removed to simplify illustrations of the following scales:
psychrometric processes. Smaller charts are used in most of — Enthalpy/humidity ratio scale
the subsequent examples. Data in the examples is taken from — Sensible heat/total heat ratio scale
full-scale charts
When lines are drawn on the chart indicating changes in
The major lines and scales on the abridged psychrometric psychrometric conditions, they are called process lines.
chart identified in bold letters are:
— Dry-bulb temperature lines With the exception of relative humidity, all lines are straight.
— Wet-bulb temperature lines Wet-bulb lines and enthalpy (total heat) lines are not exactly
— Enthalpy or total heat lines the same so care must be taken to follow the correct line. The
— Relative humidity lines dry-bulb lines are not necessarily parallel to each other and
— Humidity ratio or moisture content lines incline slightly from the vertical position. The purpose of the
— Saturation temperature or dew point scale two enthalpy scales (one on the protractor and one on the chart)
— Volume lines in cubic feet per pound of dry air is to provide reference points when drawing an enthalpy (total

.030

.028
50

60

15.0

HUMIDITY RATIO(W) - POUNDS OF MOISTURE PER POUND OF DRY AIR

.026
85
45

1.0 1.0
5000 30

-%
.024
0.8
000

2.0
0.6 4.0 TY 55
0 -1
SE T O

DI
00

∞
80

0.5 .022
NS T

-4 40
MI

IB -2. .0 =
S
∆H

L
200

AL E H E 0
HU
T

0.4
∆H

-1
14.5
AI

H E AT = .0 85
0

AT
0

VE

. 3
-0

.020
50

0
DR
-0.3
.5

%
0.2

TI
-0.1

80

VO

15
0.1

AL

00
75
35
O

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RE
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.018
UM

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E ∆h
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.016
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%
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TP
BT

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.014
—

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O

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.012
TH

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20

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.008
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DRY BULB - °F

IR

60
45
15

.006
55
40
13.0

35
35 50
.004
45
40
35 .002
12.5

105

120
100

110

115
40

50

55

60

65

75

80

85
35

45

70

90

30
95
10

25
15

20

M10306
Fig. 2. Abridged Chart No. 1.

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 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

heat) line. The protractor nomograph, in the upper left corner,

is used to establish the slope of a process line. The mechanics
of constructing this line are discussed in more detail in the 60% RH
31.6 BTU/LB
STEAM JET HUMIDIFIERS section. D

The various properties of air can be determined from the chart C

whenever the lines of any two values cross even though all 0.012 LB/LB
62.5°F DP B
properties may not be of interest. For example, from the point A

where the 70F dry-bulb and 60F wet-bulb lines cross (Fig. 3, 67.5°F WB
13.8 CF/LB
Point A), the following additional values can be determined:

E 77°F DB C1830

Fig. 4.

26.3 D
BTU/LB
56% RH
Figure 5 is the same as Figure 4 but is used to obtain latent
A
13.505 CF/LB
C
heat and sensible heat values. Figures 4 and 5 indicate that the
0.0088 LB/LB enthalpy (total heat) of the air is 31.6 Btu per pound of dry air
B
54°F DP
(Point D). Enthalpy is the sum of sensible and latent heat (Line
A to E + Line E to D, Fig. 5). The following process determines
how much is sensible heat and how much is latent heat. The
70°F DB 60°F WB bottom horizontal line of the chart represents zero moisture
C1829
content. Project a constant enthalpy line to the enthalpy scale
Fig. 3. (from Point C to Point E). Point E enthalpy represents sensible
heat of 18.7 Btu per pound of dry air. The difference between
this enthalpy reading and the original enthalpy reading is latent
— Relative humidity is 56 percent (Point A) heat. In this example 31.6 minus 18.7 equals 12.9 Btu per pound
— Volume is 13.505 cubic feet per pound of dry air of dry air of latent heat. When the moisture content of the air
(Point A) changes but the dry-bulb temperature remains constant, latent
— Dew point is 54F (Point B) heat is added or subtracted.
— Moisture content is 0.0088 pounds of moisture per pound
of dry air (Point C)
— Enthalpy (total heat) is 26.3 Btu per pound of dry air
(Point D)
31.6 BTU/LB
— Density is 0.074 pounds per cubic foot (reciprocal of D
volume) LATENT HEAT 60% R.H.
B
18.7 BTU/LB
Figure 4 is another plotting example. This time the dry-bulb E
temperature line and relative humidity line are used to establish SENSIBLE
the point. With the relative humidity equal to 60 percent and HEAT
A
the dry-bulb temperature at 77F (Fig. 4, Point A), the following
values can be read:
C 77°F DB
— Wet-bulb temperature is 67.5F (Point A) C1831

— Volume is 13.8 cubic feet per pound of dry air (Point A)

— Dew point is 62.5F (Point B) Fig. 5.
— Moisture content is 0.012 pounds of moisture per pound
of dry air (Point C)
— Enthalpy is 31.6 Btu per pound of dry air (Point D)
— Density is 0.0725 pounds per cubic foot (reciprocal of
volume)

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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

EXAMPLES OF AIR MIXING PROCESS

The following examples illustrate use of the psychrometric covers the –40 to 50F temperature range. This is the temperature
chart to plot values and determine conditions in a ventilating range immediately below that of Chart No. 1. Note that there is
system. The examples also show how to obtain the same results an overlap of temperatures between 35F and 50F. The overlap
by calculation. Example A requires only Chart No. 1. Example is important when transferring values from one chart to another.
B requires both Charts No. 1 and 2 since the outdoor air
temperature is in the range of Chart No. 2. RA

DA

EXAMPLE A:
Plotting values where only Chart No. 1 (Fig. 6) is required.
SUPPLY
N.C.
OA FAN

C2055

Fig. 7. Example B, Ventilating System.

This example illustrates mixing two different air conditions

with no change in total heat (enthalpy). Any changes in the
A RA
total heat required to satisfy space conditions are made by
75°F DB heating, cooling, humidification, or dehumidification after the
C MA 62.5°F WB
62°F DB
air is mixed.
OA
B 36°F DB
40% RH C1834 In this example:
1. A fixed quantity of two-thirds return air and one-third
Fig. 6. Example A, Chart No. 1. outdoor air is used.
2. The return air condition is 75F dry bulb and 62.5F wet
bulb.
In this example: 3. Outdoor air condition is 10F dry bulb and 50 percent rh.
1. A fixed quantity of two-thirds return air and one-third
outdoor air is used. To find the mixed air condition:
2. The return air condition is 75F dry bulb and 62.5F wet 1. Plot the outdoor air (OA) condition on Chart No. 2,
bulb. Fig. 8
3. Outdoor air condition is 36F dry bulb and 40 percent rh.

To find the mixed air conditions at design:

1. Plot the return air (RA) condition (Point A) and outdoor
3.1 BTU/LB
air (OA) condition (Point B).
2. Connect the two points with a straight line.
3. Calculate the mixed air dry-bulb temperature:
OA
(2/3 x 75) + (1/3 x 36) = 62F dry bulb 10°F DB
50% RH
4. The mixed air conditions are read from the point at which 0.00065 LB/LB
B
the line, drawn in Step 2, intersects the 62F dry-bulb line .
(Point C). C1833

Fig. 8. Example B, Chart No. 2.

EXAMPLE B:
Plotting values when both Chart No. 1 and Chart No. 2 are 2. Plot the return air (RA) condition on Chart No. 1, Fig. 9.
required.

In this example, a ventilating system (Fig. 7) is used to

illustrate how to plot data on Chart No. 2 and transfer values to
Chart No. 1. Chart No. 2 is similar to Chart No. 1 except that it

ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL 42

 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

4. Calculate the mixed air moisture content as follows:

a. For the return air, project a line from Point A hori-
zontally to the moisture content scale on Figure 9.
28.2 The value is 0.0094 pounds of moisture per pound
BTU/LB
of dry air.
RA
b. For the outdoor air, project a line from Point B
A 75°F DB
19.8
BTU/LB
62.5°F WB 0.0094 LB/LB horizontally to the moisture content scale on
Figure 8. The value is 0.00065 pounds of moisture
MA
0.00648 LB/LB per pound of dry air. Also, project this value on to
C
53.3°F DB
49°F WB
Chart No. 1 as shown in Figure 9.
0.00065 LB/LB
FROM CHART 2
c. Using the determined values, calculate the mixed
C1832 air moisture content:
(2/3 x 0.0094) + (1/3 x 0.00065) = 0.00648 pounds
Fig. 9. Example B, Chart No. 1 of moisture per pound of dry air

5. Using the enthalpy value of 19.8 and the moisture content

3. Calculate the mixed air enthalpy as follows: value of 0.00648, plot the mixed air conditions, Point C,
a. For the return air, project a line parallel to the on Chart No. 1, Figure 9, by drawing a horizontal line
enthalpy line from Point A to the enthalpy scale across the chart at the 0.00648 moisture content level
on Figure 9. The value is 28.2 Btu per pound of and a diagonal line parallel to the enthalpy lines starting
dry air. at the 19.8 Btu per pound of dry air enthalpy point. Point
b. For the outdoor air, project a line parallel to the C yields 53.3F dry-bulb and 49F wet-bulb temperature.
enthalpy line from Point B to the enthalpy scale on 6. Read other conditions for the mixed air (MA) from Chart
Figure 8. The value is 3.1 Btu per pound of dry air. No. 1 as needed.
c. Using the determined values, calculate the mixed
air enthalpy:
(2/3 x 28.2) + (1/3 x 3.1) = 19.8 Btu per
pound of dry air

AIR CONDITIONING PROCESSES

HEATING PROCESS

The heating process adds sensible heat to the system and

follows a constant, horizontal moisture line. When air is heated
by a steam or hot water coil, electric heat, or furnace, no
moisture is added. Figure 10 illustrates a fan system with a 24.4
heating coil. Figure 11 illustrates a psychrometric chart for this BTU/LB

system. Air is heated from 55F dry bulb to 85F dry bulb 17.1
BTU/LB
represented by Line A-B. This is the process line for heating.
The relative humidity drops from 40 percent to 12 percent and
the moisture content remains 0.0035 pounds of moisture per 0.0035 LB/LB
A B
pound of air. Determine the total heat added as follows:
55°F DB 85°F DB
HEATING COIL SUPPLY FAN C1835
40% RH 12% RH

55°F DB 85°F DB
40% RH 12% RH
AIR FLOW Fig. 11.
C2056

Fig. 10. Fan System with Heating Coil.

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PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

1. Draw diagonal lines parallel to the constant enthalpy lines COOLING COIL SUPPLY FAN

from Points A and B to the enthalpy scale. 90°F DB 70°F DB

50% RH 95% RH
2. Read the enthalpy on the enthalpy scale. AIRFLOW

3. Calculate the enthalpy added as follows:

Total heat at Point B – total heat at Point A = total
heat added.
24.4 – 17.1 = 7.3 Btu per pound of dry air
37.9 BTU/LB

Since there is no change in moisture content, the total heat added 33.3 BTU/LB

is all sensible. Whenever the process moves along a constant

moisture line, only sensible heat is changed. B
70°F DB
A
90°F DB
95% RH 50% RH

COOLING PROCESS

The cooling process removes sensible heat and, often, latent

C1836
heat from the air. Consider a condition where only sensible
heat is removed. Figure 12 illustrates a cooling process where Fig. 12.
air is cooled from 90F to 70F but no moisture is removed. Line
A-B represents the process line for cooling. The relative Total heat at Point A - total heat at Point B =
humidity in this example increases from 50 percent (Point A) total heat removed.
to 95 percent (Point B) because air at 70F cannot hold as much
moisture as air at 90F. Consequently, the same amount of 37.9 – 33.3 = 4.6 Btu per pound of dry air
moisture results in a higher percentage relative humidity at 70F
than at 90F. Calculate the total heat removed as follows: This is all sensible heat since there is no change in moisture
content.

HUMIDIFYING PROCESS
BASIC PROCESS

The humidifying process adds moisture to the air and crosses

constant moisture lines. If the dry bulb remains constant, the
process involves the addition of latent heat only.

Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of moisture in

the air to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at
the same temperature and pressure. If the dry-bulb temperature 0.0006 LB/LB
increases without adding moisture, the relative humidity A

decreases. The psychrometric charts in Figures 13 and 14

0°F DB
illustrate what happens. Referring to Chart No. 2 (Fig. 13), 75% RH C1837

outdoor air at 0F dry bulb and 75 percent rh (Point A) contains Fig. 13. Chart No. 2.
about 0.0006 pounds of moisture per pound of dry air. The
0.0006 pounds of moisture per pound of dry air is carried over
to Chart No. 1 (Fig. 14) and a horizontal line (constant moisture
line) is drawn.

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 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

SUPPLY FAN
HEATING COIL 10,000 CFM
0°F DB 70°F DB 70°F DB
75% RH 4.5% RH 35% RH
OA DA

A
0.0006 LB/LB
FROM CHART 2 70°F DB
4.5% RH C1838 B 35% RH
0.0056 LB/LB
Fig. 14. Chart No. 1. A 4.5% RH
0.0006 LB/LB
FROM CHART 2 70°F DB C1839

The outdoor air (0F at 75 percent rh) must be heated to a Fig. 15.
comfortable indoor air level. If the air is heated to 70F, for
example, draw a vertical line at that dry-bulb temperature. The
intersection of the dry-bulb line and the moisture line determines The space contains the following volume:
the new condition. The moisture content is still 0.0006 pounds 30 x 40 x 8 = 9600 cubic feet
of moisture per pound of dry air, but the relative humidity drops
to about 4.5 percent (Point A, Fig. 14). This indicates a need to Two air changes per hour is as follows:
add moisture to the air. Two examples of the humidifying 2 x 9600 = 19,200 cubic feet per hour
process follow.
This amount of air is brought into the room, heated to 70F, and
EXAMPLE 1: humidified. Chart No. 2 (Fig. 13) illustrates that outdoor air at
Determine the amount of moisture required to raise the 0F has a volume of 11.5 cubic feet per pound. The reciprocal
relative humidity from 4.5 percent to 35 percent when the air of this provides the density or 0.087 pounds per cubic foot.
temperature is raised from 0 to 70F and then maintained at a Converting the cubic feet per hour of air to pounds per hour
constant 70F. provides:
Figure 15 provides an example of raising the relative humidity 19,200 x 0.087 = 1670 pounds of air per hour
by adding moisture to the air. Assume this example represents
a room that is 30 by 40 feet with an 8-foot ceiling and two air For the space in the example, the following moisture must
changes per hour. Determine how much moisture must be added be added:
to raise the relative humidity to 35 percent (Point B). 1670 x 0.005 = 8.5 pounds of water per hour

To raise the relative humidity from 4.5 percent (Point A) to Since a gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds, it takes about one
35 percent (Point B) at 70F, the moisture to be added can be gallon of water per hour to raise the space humidity to 35 percent
determined as follows: at 70F.
1. The moisture content required for 70F air at 35 percent
rh is 0.0056 pounds of moisture per pound of dry air. EXAMPLE 2:
2. The moisture content of the heated air at 70F and Determine the moisture required to provide 75F air at
4.5 percent rh is 0.0006 pounds of moisture per pound 50 percent rh using 50F air at 52 percent rh.
of dry air.
3. The moisture required is: In this example, assume that 10,000 cubic feet of air per
0.0056 – 0.0006 = 0.005 pounds of moisture per minute must be humidified. First, plot the supply air Point A,
pound of dry air Figure 16, at 50F and 52 percent rh. Then, establish the condition
after the air is heated to 75F dry bulb. Since the moisture content
Line A-B, Figure 15, represents this humidifying process on has not changed, this is found at the intersection of the
the psychrometric chart. horizontal, constant moisture line (from Point A) and the
vertical 75F dry-bulb temperature line (Point B).

45 ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL

PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

The air at Points A and B has 0.004 pounds of moisture per If each pound of dry air requires 0.005 pounds of moisture,
pound of air. While the moisture content remains the same after then the following moisture must be added:
the air is heated to 75F (Point B), the relative humidity drops 736 x 0.005 = 3.68 pounds of moisture per minute
from 52 percent to 21 percent. To raise the relative humidity to
50 percent at 75F, find the new point on the chart (the This converts to:
intersection of the 75F dry-bulb line and the 50 percent rh curve
3.68 x 60 minutes = 220.8 pounds per hour
or Point C). The moisture content at this point is 0.009 pounds
of moisture per pound of dry air. Calculate the moisture to be
Since one gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds, the moisture to
added as follows:
be added is as follows:
0.009 – 0.004 = 0.005 pounds of moisture per
220.8 ÷ 8.34 = 26.5 gallons per hour
pound of dry air
Thus, a humidifier must provide 26.5 gallons of water per hour
Line B-C in Figure 16 represents this humidifying process on
to raise the space humidity to 50 percent at 75F.
the psychrometric chart.
SUPPLY FAN
HEATING COIL 10,000 CFM
STEAM JET HUMIDIFIER
50°F DB 75°F DB
52% RH 75°F DB 50% RH
21% RH
MA
DA The most popular humidifier is the steam-jet type. It consists
of a pipe with nozzles partially surrounded by a steam jacket.
The jacket is filled with steam; then the steam is fed through
nozzles and sprayed into the air stream. The jacket minimizes
condensation when the steam enters the pipe with the nozzles
and ensures dry steam for humidification. The steam is sprayed
into the air at a temperature of 212F or higher. The enthalpy
50% RH
includes the heat needed to raise the water temperature from
C 32 to 212F, or 180 Btu plus 970 Btu to change the water into
steam. This is a total of 1150 Btu per hour per pound of water
0.009 LB/LB
at 0 psig as it enters the air stream. (See Properties of Saturated
A B Steam table in General Engineering Data section). The
0.004 LB/LB
21% RH additional heat added to the air can be plotted on Chart No. 1
13.56 CF/LB
(Figure 17) to show the complete process. In this example, air
50°F DB 75°F DB enters the heating coil at 55F dry-bulb temperature (Point A)
52% RH C1840
and is heated to 90F dry-bulb temperature (Point B) along a
Fig. 16. constant moisture line. It then enters the humidifier where the
steam adds moisture and heats the air to Point C.

At 75F and 21 percent relative humidity, the psychromet- Figure 17 also shows use of the protractor nomograph.
ric chart shows that the volume of one pound of air is about Assume the relative humidity of the air entering the
13.58 cubic feet. There are two ways to find the weight of the humidifier at Point B is to be raised to 50 percent. A
air. One way is to use the volume to find the weight. Assuming process line can be constructed using the protractor
10,000 cubic feet of air: nomograph. The total heat of the entering steam in Btu
per pound is located on the enthalpy/humidity ratio scale
10,000 ÷ 13.58 = 736 pounds of air
(∆h / ∆W) of the nomograph. This value, 1150 Btu per
pound, is connected to the reference point of the
The other way is to use the density to find the weight. The
nomograph to establish the slope of the process line on
reciprocal of the volume provides the density as follows:
the psychrometric chart. A parallel line is drawn on the
1 ÷ 13.58 = 0.0736 pounds per cubic foot chart from Point B up to the 50 percent relative humidity
line (Point C). The Line B-C is the process line. The Line
The weight is then: X-Y (bottom of the chart) is simply a perpendicular
10,000 x 0.0736 = 736 pounds of air per minute construction line for drawing the Line B-C parallel to the
line determined on the nomograph. Note that the dry-bulb
temperature increased from 90 to 92F.

ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL 46

 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

REFERENCE POINT

1.0 1.0

5000 30
0.8

000
2.0
0.6 4.0

0 -1
SE T O
00
0.5 -4∞

NS T
IB -2. .0

S
∆H
L

200
AL E H E 0

T
0.4

∆H
-1
H E AT = .0

0
AT

0
0.3

-0

50
-0.3
.5
0.2

-0.1
15

0.1
00
0
100
E NT H A L P Y ∆h
HU = ∆W
MIDIT
THIS LINE IS Y RATI O
PARALLEL
TO THE SOLID 50% RH
LINE C-B ON 1150
THE PSYCH
CHART C

0.0164 LB/LB

0.0065 LB/LB
A B

55°F DB 92°F DB
90°F DB
X C1841

Y
CONSTRUCTION LINE

Fig. 17.

47 ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL

PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

Figure 18 is the same as the chart shown in Figure 17 except The remaining 0.9 Btu is sensible heat. The actual moisture
that it graphically displays the amount of heat added by the added per pound of dry air is 0.0099 pounds. The specific
process. Enthalpy (total heat) added is determined by volume of the entering air at Point B is 14 cubic feet per pound.
subtracting the enthalpy of the dry, heated air at Point B from
the enthalpy of the humidified air at Point C as follows: For a 10,000 cubic feet per minute system, the weight of the
40.3 – 28.7 = 11.6 Btu per pound of dry air air passing through is:
The steam raised the temperature of the air from 90F dry bulb 10,000 ÷ 14 = 714.3 pounds per minute
to 92F dry bulb. To find the latent heat added by the steam
humidifier to the air, determine the enthalpy at Point D (the The weight of the moisture added is:
enthalpy of the heated air without added moisture) and subtract 714.3 x 0.0099 = 7.07 pounds per minute of moisture
it from the enthalpy of the humidified air at Point C. This is
as follows: Since one gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds, the moisture to
40.3 – 29.6 = 10.7 Btu per pound of dry air be added is as follows:
7.07 ÷ 8.34 = 0.848 gallons per minute
REFERENCE POINT

1.0 1.0
5000 30

0.8
000

2.0
0.6 4.0
0 -1
SE T O
00

0.5 ∞
NS T

IB -4
-2. .0
S
∆H

L
200

AL E H E 0
T

0.4
∆H

-1
H E AT = .0
0

AT
0

. 3
-0

50

0
-0.3
.5
0.2

-0.1

15
0.1

00
0
100
E NT H A L P Y ∆h
HU = ∆W
MIDIT 40.3
STEAM Y RATI O
BTU/LB
ENTHALPY
1150

TOTAL 50% RH
ENTHALPY
C
29.6 LATENT
SENSIBLE BTU/LB 0.0164 LB/LB
(0.9 BTU/LB)

28.7
BTU/LB

0.0065 LB/LB
A 55°F DB 90°F DB B D 92°F DB

C1842

Fig. 18.

ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL 48

 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

This converts to:

0.848 x 60 minutes = 50.9 gallons per hour

Recalling that the steam added 11.6 Btu per pound of dry air,
the total heat added is:
714.3 x 11.6 = 8286 Btu per minute

This converts to: CONSTANT

ENTHALPY
8286 x 60 minutes = 497,160 Btu per hour C
LINE
B

Summarized, a steam humidifier always adds a little sensible A

heat to the air, and the Process Line B–C angles to the right of
C1843
the 90F starting dry-bulb line because of the added sensible
heat. When the process line crosses the moisture content lines
along a constant dry-bulb line, only latent heat is added. When Fig. 21.
it parallels a constant, horizontal moisture line, only sensible
heat is added.
The next two psychrometric charts (Fig. 22 and 23) illustrate
the humidifying process using a heated air washer. The
AIR WASHERS temperature to which the water is heated is determined by the
amount of moisture required for the process. Figure 22 shows
Air washers are also used as humidifiers particularly for what happens when the washer water is heated above the air
applications requiring added moisture and not much heat as in dry-bulb temperature shown at Point A. The temperature of
warm southwestern climates. A washer can be recirculating as the water located at Point B on the saturation curve causes the
shown in Figure 19 or heated as shown in Figure 20. In system air temperature to settle out at Point D. The actual
recirculating washers, the heat necessary to vaporize the water location of Point D depends upon the construction and
is sensible heat changed to latent heat which causes the dry- characteristics of the washer.
bulb temperature to drop. The process line tracks the constant
enthalpy line because no total heat is added or subtracted. This As the humidity demand reduces, the water temperature
process is called “adiabatic” and is illustrated by Figure 21. moves down the saturation curve as it surrenders heat to the
Point A is the entering condition of the air, Point B is the final air. This causes the water temperature to settle out at a point
condition, and Point C is the temperature of the water. Since such as Point C. The final air temperature is at Point E. Note
the water is recirculating, the water temperature becomes the that the final air temperature is above the initial dry-bulb
same as the wet-bulb temperature of the air. temperature so both sensible and latent heat have been added
to the air.
SUPPLY FAN

SATURATION
CURVE

PUMP C2598
D
C
Fig. 19. Recirculating Air Washer.
E

SUPPLY FAN

C1844
HWS

HWR Fig. 22.

HEAT EXCHANGER
PUMP C2599

Fig. 20. Heated Air Washer.

49 ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL

PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

washer is always located on the saturation curve. Note that the

dry-bulb temperature of the air is reduced as it passes through
the washer. This happens because some of its heat is used to
SATURATION CURVE evaporate the water; however, the humidity of the air rises
B
considerably. In this case, some of the sensible heat of the air
D
becomes latent heat in the water vapor, but the enthalpy of the
C
air is increased because of the heat in the water.
E

A VAPORIZING HUMIDIFIER

Vaporizing and water spray humidifiers operate on the

principal of breaking water up into small particulates so they
C1845
are evaporated directly into the air. This process is essentially
adiabatic since the enthalpy lines of the water vapor for 32 and
Fig. 23. 212F are so close. The enthalpy of water at 32F is zero and at
212F it is 180 Btu per pound. If air at Point A (Fig. 24) is
Figure 23 illustrates a heated washer where the water humidified by 212F water, the process follows a line parallel
temperature is between the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures to line C-D and the 80F WB line and ends at a point such as
of the air. The air is humidified but also cooled a little. Point B Point B. The actual water temperature of a vaporizing or water
represents the initial and Point C the final temperature of the spray humidifier will be between 32 and 212F and will usually
water with reduced humidity demand. Point A represents the be around room temperature so using the zero enthalpy line
initial and Point E the final temperature of the air. The location (C-E) as reference will not introduce a significant error into
of Points D and E depends on the construction and the process.
characteristics of the washer. The temperature of the water in a

32°F WATER = 0 BTU/LB

C
1.0 1.0
5000 30

0.8
000

2.0
0.6 4.0
0 -1
SE T O
00

0.5 -4∞
NS T

IB -2. .0
S
∆H

L
200

AL E H E 0
T

0.4
∆H

-1
H E AT = .0
0

AT
0

0. 3
-0

50
-0.3
.5
0.2

-0.1

15
0.1

00
0
100 80°F WB LINE
E NT H A L P Y ∆h
HU = ∆W
MIDIT
Y RATI O

212°F WATER = 180 BTU/LB

B
D

CONSTRUCTION LINE, FOR LINE A -B,

PERPENDICULAR TO LINES C-D AND A-B C1846

Fig. 24. Psychrometric Chart Showing Line A–B Parallel to Line C–D.

ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL 50

 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

COOLING AND DEHUMIDIFICATION To remove moisture, some air must be cooled below its
dew point. By determining the wet-bulb and the dry-bulb
BASIC PROCESS temperatures of the leaving air, the total moisture removed per
pound of dry air can be read on the humidity ratio scale and is
Cooling and dehumidification can be accomplished in a single determined as follows:
process. The process line moves in a decreasing direction across 1. The entering air condition is 85F dry bulb and 63 percent
both the dry-bulb temperature lines and the constant moisture rh (Point A). The moisture content is 0.0166 pounds of
lines. This involves both sensible and latent cooling. moisture per pound of dry air.
2. The leaving air condition is 60F dry bulb and 93 percent
Figure 12 illustrates cooling air by removing sensible heat rh (Point C). The moisture content is 0.0100 pounds of
only. In that illustration, the resulting cooled air was 95 percent moisture per pound of dry air.
relative humidity, a condition which often calls for reheat (see 3. The moisture removed is:
DEHUMIDIFICATION AND REHEAT). Figure 25 illustrates 0.0166 – 0.0100 = 0.0066 pounds of moisture
a combination of sensible and latent cooling. Whenever the per pound of dry air
surface temperature of the cooling device (Point B), such as a
chilled water coil, is colder than the dew point temperature of The volume of air per pound at 85F dry bulb and 75F wet bulb
the entering air (Point A), moisture is removed from the air (Point A) is 14.1 cubic feet per pound of dry air. If 5000 cubic
contacting the cold surface. If the coil is 100 percent efficient, feet of air per minute passes through the coil, the weight of
all entering air contacts the coil and leaving air is the same the air is as follows:
temperature as the surface of the coil. 5000 ÷ 14.1 = 355 pounds per minute
COOLING COIL SUPPLY FAN
85°F DB 60°F DB The pounds of water removed is as follows:
63% RH 93% RH
OA DA 355 x 0.0066 = 2.34 pounds per minute
or
50°F DB
2.34 x 60 minutes = 140.4 pounds per hour

Since one gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds, the moisture to

be removed is as follows:
A 140.4 ÷ 8.34 = 16.8 gallons per hour
0.0166 LB/LB

0.0100 LB/LB
AIR WASHERS
B 75°F WB
C
Air washers are devices that spray water into the air within a
duct. They are used for cooling and dehumidification or for
humidification only as discussed in the HUMIDIFYING
50°F DB 60°F DB 85°F DB 58°F WB
93% RH 63% RH PROCESS—AIR WASHERS section. Figure 26 illustrates an
14.1 CF/LB C1847
air washer system used for cooling and dehumidification. The
chiller maintains the washer water to be sprayed at a constant
Fig. 25. 50F. This allows the chilled water from the washer to condense
water vapor from the warmer entering air as it falls into the
pan. As a result, more water returns from the washer than has
All coils, however, are not 100 percent efficient and all air been delivered because the temperature of the chilled water is
does not come in contact with the coil surface or fins. As a lower than the dew point (saturation temperature) of the air.
result, the temperature of the air leaving the coil (Point C) is The efficiency of the washer is determined by the number and
somewhere between the coolest fin temperature (Point B) and effectiveness of the spray nozzles used and the speed at which
the entering outdoor air temperature (Point A). To determine the air flows through the system. The longer the air is in contact
this exact point requires measuring the dry-bulb and wet-bulb with the water spray, the more moisture the spray condenses
temperatures of the leaving air. from the air.

51 ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL

PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

SUPPLY FAN the wet-bulb temperature of the air as the process line extends.
Note that whenever the washer water temperature is between
90°F DB 58°F DB the dew point (Point B) and the dry-bulb (Point D) temperature
52% RH 85% RH
of the air, moisture is added and the dry-bulb temperature of
the air falls. If the water temperature is above the dry-bulb
CWS
temperature of the air (to the right of Point D), both the air
CWR moisture and the dry-bulb temperature increase. Whenever the
C2597 water temperature is below the dew point temperature (Point
PUMP
B), dehumidification occurs as well as dry-bulb cooling. This
Fig. 26. Air Washer Used for Cooling and process always falls on a curved line between the initial
Dehumidification. temperature of the air and the point on the saturation curve
representing the water temperature. The exact leaving air
temperature depends upon the construction and characteristics
Figure 27 is a chart of the air washer process. If a washer is of the washer.
100 percent efficient, the air leaving the washer is at Point B.
The result as determined by the wet-bulb and dry-bulb
temperatures is Point C and is determined as follows:
D

90°F DB
A 52% RH
0.0153 LB/LB B
A

0.0085 LB/LB
B
75°F WB
C
58°F DB C1849
85% RH

50°F DB 55°F WB Fig. 28.

C1848

Fig. 27. DEHUMIDIFICATION AND REHEAT

Dehumidification lowers the dry-bulb temperature, which

1. The entering condition air is 90F dry bulb and 52 percent
often requires the use of reheat to provide comfortable
rh (Point A). The moisture content is 0.0153 pounds of
conditions. Dehumidification and reheat are actually two
moisture per pound of dry air.
processes on the psychrometric chart. Applications, such as
2. Air that contacts the spray droplets follows the saturation
computer rooms, textile mills, and furniture manufacturing
curve to the spray temperature, 50F dry bulb (Point B),
plants require that a constant relative humidity be maintained
and then mixes with air that did not come in contact with
at close tolerances. To accomplish this, the air is cooled below
the spray droplets resulting in the average condition at
a comfortable level to remove moisture, and is then reheated
Point C.
(sensible heat only) to provide comfort. Figure 29 is an air
3. The leaving air is at 58F dry bulb and 85 percent rh
conditioning system with both a cooling coil and reheat coil.
(Point C). The moisture content is 0.0085 pounds of
moisture per pound of dry air.
4. The moisture removed is:
0.0153 – 0.0085 = 0.068 pounds of moisture per
pound of dry air

Figure 28 summarizes the process lines for applications using

washers for humidification or dehumidification. When the
water recirculates, the process is adiabatic and the process line
follows the Constant Enthalpy Line A-C. The water assumes

ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL 52

 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

COOLING
COIL SUPPLY FAN
HEATING
COIL
— Enthalpy and humidity ratio, or moisture content, are
90°F DB 48°F DB 60°F DB
based on a pound of dry air. Zero moisture is the bottom
71.3°F WB 46°F WB 51.2°F WB line of the chart.
40% RH 85% RH 56% RH
— To find the sensible heat content of any air in Btu, follow
the dry-bulb line to the bottom of the chart and read the
V V enthalpy there, or project along the enthalpy line, and
read the Btu per pound of dry air on the enthalpy scale.
H T

C2600

Fig. 29. Fan System with Dehumidification and Reheat.

LATENT HEAT CHANGE

Figure 30 illustrates cooling and dehumidification with reheat
for maintaining constant relative humidity. Air enters the coils
at Point A, is cooled and dehumidified to Point B, is reheated
to Point C, and is then delivered to the controlled space. A space
humidistat controls the cooling coil valve to maintain the space
SENSIBLE HEAT CHANGE
relative humidity. A space thermostat controls the reheat coil
to maintain the proper dry-bulb temperature.
C1851

Fig. 31.

A C

D
B

C
B E A

F
48°F DB 60°F DB 90°F DB H
46°F WB 51.2°F WB 71.3°F WB
G
85% RH 56% RH 40% RH C1850

SUMMARY OF ALL PROCESSES CHARTABLE.

Fig. 30. PROCESS MOVEMENT IN THE DIRECTION OF:
— A, HEATING ONLY - STEAM, HOT WATER OR ELECTRIC HEAT COIL
— B, HEATING AND HUMIDIFYING - STEAM HUMIDIFIER
OR RECIRCULATED HOT WATER SPRAY
— C, HUMIDIFYING ONLY - AIR WASHER WITH HEATED WATER
PROCESS SUMMARY — D, COOLING AND HUMIDIFYING - WASHER
— E, COOLING ONLY - COOLING COIL OR WASHER AT
DEWPOINT TEMPERATURE
— F, COOLING AND DEHUMIDIFYING - CHILLED WATER WASHER
Figures 31 and 32 summarize some principles of the air — G, DEHUMIDIFYING ONLY - NOT PRACTICAL
— H, DEHUMIDIFYING AND HEATING - CHEMICAL DEHUMIDIFIER C1852
conditioning process as illustrated by psychrometric charts.
— Sensible heating or cooling is always along a constant
Fig. 32.
moisture line.
— When latent heat is added or removed, a process line
always crosses the constant moisture lines.

ASHRAE PSYCHROMETRIC CHARTS

The following two pages illustrate ASHRAE Psychrometric Charts No. 1 and No. 2.

53 ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL

PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

Fig. 33. ASHRAE Psychrometric Chart No. 1.

ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL 54

 PSYCHROMETRIC CHART FUNDAMENTALS

Fig. 34. ASHRAE Psychrometric Chart No. 2.

55 ENGINEERING MANUAL OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL