Chapter 10

PSYCHROMETRY
Atmospheric air is moist in nature, consisting of both air and water vapour. The
amount of water vapour in the atmospheric air plays an important role in human
comfort. Study of such air - water vapour mixture is known as psychrometry. For
simplicity the analysis is carried out with the following assumptions:
(i)

The gas mixture of interest is assumed to be composed of dry air and

water vapour, each of which are considered to behave as ideal gases.

(ii)

The specific heats of air are assumed to be constant.

(iii) Enthalpy of water vapour depends only on temperature

These assumptions are justified as the engineering applications of
o
psychrometry fall generally in the temperature range of 0 to 50 C and the total
pressure of the mixture is generally about one standard atmosphere (101.32 kPa).
Before considering analysis, definitions and terminology related to psychrometry are
first presented.

10.1 Dry bulb, Dew point and Wet bulb temperatures

Temperature of the air-water vapour mixture that would be measured by an
ordinary thermometer with a dry sensing element is known as dry bulb
temperature.
According to Daltons law of partial pressure the total pressure of a mixture of
dry air and water vapour is the sum of the component pressures.
Therefore
p pa + p v
...(10.1)
where p is the total pressure
pa is the partial pressure of dry air
pv is the partial pressure of water vapour

In
general,
the
state of
water vapour in
the
atmospheric air
is superheated. It can be represented in a T-s diagram as indicated by state 1 in
Figure 10.1. When cooled at constant pressure, temperature of a sample of such air
will decrease until it reached the saturation temperature of steam corresponding to
the partial pressure Rr. This temperature is known as dew point temperature. Air
becomes saturated at this state so that further cooling will result in condensation of
water vapour.
Let a stream of unsaturated air flows over the bulb of a thermometer covered
with thoroughly wetted wick as shown in Figure 10.2. When air passes over the
wick, evaporation of water in the wick is taking place. This vapour is taken along by
the unsaturated air.

The driving potential for this evaporation is the difference in partial pressure of
water vapour in the unsaturated air and that of water in the wick. Thermodynamic
states of water vapour in air and water in the wick are represented respectively as 1
and l in a T-s diagram as shown in Figure 10.3. Heat required for this evaporation is
partially taken from water in the wick and the remaining from air. Hence,
temperature of water and air decreases. Partial pressure of water vapour in the air
decreases partial pressure pf water vapour in the air increases and that of water in
the wick decreases until there exists an equilibrium between these two pressures.
For further evaporation heat is supplied by the air alone. Therefore there will not be
any further decrease in temperature of water in the wick. This temperature is known
as wet bulb temperature. Thus wet bulb temperature is the temperature measured
by the wick-covered bulb of a thermometer in which the wick is thoroughly wetted
with water. The difference between drybulb and wet bulb temperatures is known as
wet bulb depression. That is
WBD DBT WBT
...(10.2)

10.2 Specific humidity (or) Absolute humidity (or) Humidity

ratio
The specific humidity (or) absolute humidity (or) humidity ratio (or) moisture
content is defined as the ratio of mass of water vapour to the mass of dry air in a
given volume of the moist air. It is usually denoted as . Thus for a sample of moist
3
air of volume Vm and temperature T K :

mv
ma

Assuming ideal gas behaviour for both air and water vapour

pvV R vT
paV RaT
pvR a
paR v

Where pV
pa

...(10.3)

is the partial pressure of water vapour in the mixture

is the partial pressure of dry air in the mixture

Rv is the characteristic gas constant of water vapour

Ra

is the characteristic gas constant of dry air.

As defined earlier,

Ru
M

Thus Equation 10.3 can be modified as :

Ru

M a
pv
w

pa Ru

M
v

pv M v

pa M a

...(10.4)

Where Mv is the molecular weight of water vapour

Ma is the molecular weight of dry air
The molecular weight of water vapour can be easily obtained knowing its
chemical formula H2O consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. That
is
18.02
The average molecular weight of dry air can be computed as follows:
Table 10.1 gives the composition of dry air
Table 10.1 composition of dry air
Components

Molecular
weight (Mi)

Part by
volume (yi)

N2

28.02

0.7803

O2

32.00

0.2099

Ar

39.91

0.0094

CO2

44.00

0.0003

H2

2.02

0.0001

Therefore the average molecular weight of dry air

Ma

0.7803 28.02
+ 0.2099 32.00
+ 0.0094 39.91
+ 0.0003 44.0
+ 0.0001 2.02
28.96

Substituting the numerical values of Ma and Mv

pv M v

pa M a
p
0.622 v
pa

0.622

pv kg of w.v.
p pv kg of d .a.
(10.5)

10.3

Relative Humidity and Degree of saturation

3

Let us consider a certain volume V m of unsaturated air at temperature T K.

The state of water vapour in the mixture is represented by 1 as given in Figure
10.4. If the state of water vapour is changed to state s at the same temperature T,
then the partial pressure will be p s. This pressure is nothing but the saturation
pressure of steam corresponding to the mixture temperature T. The ratio of p v to ps
is known as Relative humidity denoted usually by (or) RH. That is

pv
ps

...(10.6)
Where pv is the partial pressure of water vapour in the mixture.
ps is the partial pressure of water vapour in the same mixture if it is
saturated at the same temperature.
Since ideal gas behavior is being assumed for both dry air and water vapour.

pv

ps

Therefore

mvRT
V

msRT
V

(or)

mv
ms

RH

Thus, the relative humidity is the ratio of mass of water vapour in a certain
volume of unsaturated moist air at a given temperature to the mass of water
vapour in the same volume of saturated air at the same temperature. For dry air
relative humidity is zero
( 0) and one for saturated air ( 100%).
The ratio of specific humidity of the given unsaturated air to that of saturated
air at the same temperature is known as degree of saturation. That is
6

w
ws
...
(10.7)

Fig 10.4 Illustration for relative humidity and degree of saturation

Where
s

is the actual humidity ratio of given unsaturated air.

is the humidity ratio of the same volume of air if it is saturated at the
same temperature.

10.4 Specific volume of moist air

As the entire volume of the mixture is occupied by air, as well as water vapour,
the specific volume can be expressed in terms of per kg of dry air, per kg of water
vapour and per kg of the mixture. Therefore,
v V/ma

...(10.8)
v V/mv
...(10.9)
...
(10.10)

v V/(ma+mv)

10.5 Enthalpy of moist air

On the basis of unit mass of moist air, the specific enthalpy of moist air can be
expressed as follows :
h

ha+ hv
...(10.11)

Where ha Specific enthalpy of dry air

Humidity ratio

hv Specific enthalpy of water vapour

Assuming ideal gas behaviour, the specific enthalpy of dry air is given as
ha 1.005 t
...(10.12)
o

The datum for enthalpy is taken as : h 0 at t 0 C the temperature t should

be substituted in Celsius.
For water vapour the common empirical relation recommended for specific
enthalpy is given below :
hv 2500 + 1.88t
...(10.13)
Where t is the temperature in Celsius
Therefore specific enthalpy of moist. air is given as
h 1.005 t + (2500 + 1.88t)
...(10.14)

10.6 Adiabatic saturation and Thermodynamic wet bulb

temperature
Let us consider a pool of water kept inside an insulated container as shown in
Figure 10.5. When unsaturated air is blown over the surface of water in the pool,
evaporation of water occurs. The moisture content of air increases. Heat required
for evaporation is supplied partially by air and the remaining from water. Therefore,
temperature of both air and water decreases. The process of evaporation continues
until the energy supplied by the air to the water is equal to the energy required to
vaporize the water. When this point is reached, thermal equilibrium exists among
water, air and water vapour and consequently air is saturated. The corresponding
temperature is known as adiabatic saturation temperature or thermodynamic wet
bulb temperature. Figure 10.6 shows the process on T-s coordinates.
The thermodynamic wet bulb temperature is almost equal to the wet bulb
temperature. For all the practical purposes, the adiabatic saturation temperature
(or) thermodynamic wet bulb temperature and wet bulb temperature are considered
to be equal.
This steady flow process can be analyzed on the basis of mass and energy to
develop a relationship between the inlet-air conditions and the adiabatic-saturation
temperature.

Applying mass balance of air and water vapour we get

a1 m
a2 m
a
m
v1 m
f m
v2
m
Where

is
is
is
is

the
the
the
the

mass
mass
mass
mass

flow
flow
flow
flow

rate
rate
rate
rate

of
of
of
of

...(10.15)
...(10.16)

dry in the inlet stream

dry in the exit stream
water vapour in the exit stream
make up water

Equation (10.16) can be modified as

a1 m
f 2m
a2
1m
Substituting from Equation (10.15) and rearranging, we get

f ( 2 1)m
a
m

...(10.17)

Applying energy balance,

9

 a2h2 m
a1h1 m
f hf
m
..(10.18)
Substituting from Equation (10.15) and (10.17), Equation (10.18) becomes
a(h2 h1) m
a( 2 1)hf
m

...(10.19)
Where h1 and h2 are specific enthalpys of moist per kg of dry air. It can be
expressed as follows:
h1 Cpa (t1) + 1 hv1

...(10.20)

h2 Cpa (t2) + 2 hv2

...(10.21)

Substituting for h1 and h2 in equation 10.19, we have

Cpa (t2 t1) + 2hv2 1hv1 (w2 w1) wf
Therefore,

Cpa(t2 t1) w2(hv2 hf )

hv1 hf

1
...(10.22)

Examination of the above equation reveals that all the quantities on the right
hand side can be determined if the dry bulb temperature t 1 at the inlet and the
adiabatic saturation temperature t2 at exit can be measured. As mentioned earlier,
the adiabatic saturation temperature is almost equal to the wet bulb temperature
and hence by knowing dry bulb and wet bulb temperature, the moisture content of
humid air can be computed using the above expression.

10.7 Psychrometric chart

The chart that presents all the psychrometric properties is known as
psychrometric chart. It is generally constructed for standard atmospheric pressure
of 760 mm Hg. Dry bulb temperature is taken on x-axis and moisture content on yaxis. Lines corresponding to constant relative humidity wet bulb temperature,
specific volume and specific enthalpy are plotted on the chart. A typical
psychrometric chart is shown in Figure 10.7.

10

10.8
Processes

Psychrometric

Temperature and moisture content of the moist is to be controlled for human

comfort and many process applications. Principles of psychrometry play an
important role in establishing the necessary heat and mass interactions. Some of
the basic processes are presented in this section.
10.8.1

Sensible Heating

Moist air is heated without altering the moisture content of the air. The
following changes are observed due to sensible heating :
1) Dry bulb temperature

- Increases

2) Wet bulb temperature

- Increases

3) Specific enthalpy

- Increases

4) Specific volume - Increases

5) Relative humidity

- Decreases

Figure 10.8 shows the schematic arrangements of the process. Figure 10.9
shows the process on a psychrometric chart.

11

Amount
of
heated added can
expressed as

be

m
a(h2 h1)
Q
10.8.2

...(10.23)

Sensible cooling

It is just the reverse of sensible heating, that is, moist air is cooled such that
the moisture content remains unaltered. The following changes are observed in a
sensible cooling process.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Dry bulb temperature

- Decreases
Wet bulb temperature - Decreases
Specific enthalpy - Decreases
Specific volume - Decreases
Relative humidity - Increases

Figure 10.10 shows the schematic arrangement of a sensible cooling process.

Figure 10.11 shows the process on a psychrometric chart.

12

Quantity
of heat to be removed is given as

m
... Q
a(h1 h2 )
10.8.3

(10.24)

Dehumidification by cooling

When moist air is cooled below its dew point temperature water vapour is
removed from air as it starts condensing below the dew point temperature. Air is in
saturated state at the end of cooling as shown in Figure 10.12.
Heat removal rate is given as

m
a(h1 h2 )+m
a(1 2 )hf
Q
...(10.25)

where hf is the specific enthalpy of the condensate.

The changes observed are listed below :
1. Drybulb temperature

- Decreases

2. Wet bulb temperature - Decreases

3. Specific enthalpy

- Decreases

4. Moisture content - Decreases

5. Relative humidity

- Increases

13

10.8.4

Cooling and Dehumidification

Let us consider conditioning of air existing at state 1 to state 2 as shown in

Figure 10.13. To remove the necessary quantity of moisture, air is cooled to a state
2'. From this state it is heated sensibly to state 2. Schematic arrangement of such a
process is shown in Figure 10.14.

Heat load on the

cooling coil is
given as

Q
cooling ma(h1 h2 )+ma( 2 1)hf

...(10.26)
Heat load on the heater is given as

a(h2 h2 )
Qheating m
14

...(10.27)
10.8.5

Adiabatic Humidification

Increase in moisture content of air is known as humidification. If humidification

is carried out adiabatically, the energy required for evaporation must be supplied by
the entering air. Consequently, the dry bulb temperature of air must decrease.
Figure 10.16 shows the schematic arrangement. Figure 10.17 shows the process on
psychrometric chart.

15

On the basis of unit mass of dry air, the energy equation is given as
h1 + (2 1) hf h2

...
(10.28)

In comparison with the magnitude of h 1 and h2, (w2 w1)hf is negligible.

Therefore, it can be assumed that h-specific enthalpy of air-water vapor mixture
remains constant during adiabatic humidification process.
10.8.6

Heating and humidification

Moisture content and temperature are considerably less in winter. Air is to be

heated and humidified as shown in Figure 10.18. The process can be represented on
the psychrometric chart as shown in Figure 10.19.

The energy interaction at the heater is given as

m
a(h2 h1)
Q
Mass to be added by the sprayer
16

...(10.29)

 m
a( 3 2 )
m
10.8.7

...(10.30)

Adiabatic Mixing

In many practical applications, two or more streams are to be mixed

adiabatically. Let us consider two humid air streams 1 and 2 are mixed adiabatically
in a chamber. The mixture formed is at state 3.

Mass balance of air gives

a1 +m
a2 m
a3
m
...(10.31)
Mass balance of water vapour gives

17

 v1 +m
v2 m
v3
m
...(10.32)

a11 +m
a2 2 m
a3 3
m
Energy balance of the entire control volume gives
a1h1 +m
a2h2 m
a3h3
m

...(10.33)

Where h1 ha1 + 1hv1

h2 ha2 + 2 hv2
h3 ha3 + 3hv3
Consider equation (10.31) and divide all the terms by
a1

m
m
1 a3
a2
a2
m
m

a2.
m
It gives

...

(10.34)
Dividing equation (10.32) by , we have

a1
m
m
1 2 a3 3
a2
a2
m
m
a3

m
m

a1 1 2
a2
a2 3 3
m
m

...(10.35)
Substituting equation (10.35) in (10.34) we get
a1

m
m

1 a1 1 2
a2
a2 3 3
m
m

m a1
m a2

1
1
3

...(10.36)

2
3

a1 3 2
3
m

a2
m
3
1 3
a1 3 2
m

a2 1 3
m

Similarly it can be demonstrated that

18

 a1 h3 h2
m

a2 h1 h3
m

...(10.37)

Solved Problems
Prob : 10.1 An air-conditioning unit receives an air-water vapour mixture
o
at 101 kPa, 35 C and 80% relative humidity.
Determine
a) the dew point
b) the humidity ratio
c) the partial pressure of air
d) the mass fraction of water vapour
System

: Air-water vapour mixture

Known

1) DBT 35 C
2) p 101 kPa
3) 80%
Diagram :
To find

Analysis

: 1)

Dew point temperature

2)

Humidity ratio

3)

Partial pressure of air

4)

Mass fraction of water vapour

: 1) Dew point temperature

It is the saturation temperature of steam corresponding to the
partial pressure pv. To find pv consider relative humidity.
0.8
o
Where ps is the saturated pressure corresponding to 35 C as shown in
the T-s diagram. From steam table (appendix) p s 5.63 kPa.
Therefore
pv

0.8 ps

0.8 5.63
4.5 kPa
Thus the dew point is the saturation temperature at 4.5 kPa. From
steam table, it is obtained that
o

DPT 30.93 C.
19

2)

Humidity ratio ()

0.622

pv
ps

4.5
(101 4.5)

=0.622

0.029
3)

kg of w.v
kg of d.a

Partial pressure of air

p pv
101 4.5
96.5 kPa

4)

Mass fraction of water vapour

mv
mv ma

Mass associated with each kg of dry air as indicated by humidity ratio is 0.029 kg.
Therefore
Mass fraction of water vapour 0.02818
Result

: 1)
2)

Dew point temperature

Humidity ratio

kg of w.v
kg of d.a

3)

Partial pressure of air

96.5 kPa

4)

Mass fraction of water vapour

0.02818

20

30.93 C
0.029

Prob : 10.2 Given for an air-water vapour mixture that T mix 70 C and pmix
200 kPa and Pair = 180 kPa, find the dew point, humidity ratio and
relative humidity
System

: Air-water vapour mixture

Known

1) Tmix 70 C
2) pmix 200 kPa
3)Pair 180 kPa
To find

: 1) Dew point temperature (DPT)

2) Humidity ratio ()
3) Relative humidity ()

Diagram

Analysis

: 1) Dew point temperature

It is the saturation temperature of steam corresponding to the
partial pressure (pv) of the water vapour in the mixture. Form
Daltons law of partial pressure.
p
200

pa + pv
180 + pv

21

 20 kPa

pv

From steam table for 20 kPa, saturation temperature is 60.06 C.

Therefore
DPT
Humidity ratio ()

2)

0.0691
3)

pv
pa

0.622

Relative Humidity ()

60.06 C

kg of w.v
kg of d.a

pv
ps

Where ps is the saturation pressure corresponding to the mixture

o
o
temperature 70 C. From steam table at 70 C, saturation pressure is
31.19 kPa.
Therefore

0.641 (64.1 %)
Result

: 1) Dew point temperature

60.06 C
2) Humidity ratio
0.0691
3) Relative Humidity () 64.1 %

Exercises
1.

State Daltons law of Partial pressure

2.

What does Psychometry mean ?

3.

Define the following

a) Dew point temperature
b) Specific humidity
c) Relative humidity
d) Degree of saturation
e) Wet bulb depression

4.

For saturated air wet bulb depression is zero (T/F)

[Ans : True]

5.

In psychrometric chart ___________ is taken on x-axis

[Ans : DBT]

6.

In psychrometric chart ___________ is taken on y-axis

[Ans : Humidity ratio]

7.

What properties are represented by straight lines on psychrometric chart

[Ans : h ; WBT ; v]
22

8.

Which one of the following property can not be read from the psychrometric
chart.
a) Relative humidity
b) Absolute humidity
c) Wet bulb temperature
d) Degree of saturation
[Ans : d]

9.

Dew point temperature is same as the thermodynamic wet bulb temperature

(T/F)
[Ans : False]

10.

During sensible cooling wet bulb temperature increases (T/F)

[Ans : False]

11.

During sensible heating dew point temperature increases (T/F)

[Ans : False]

12.

For all the practical purposes thermodynamic wet bulb temperature is taken
as adiabatic saturation temperature (T/F)
[Ans : True]

13.

Wet bulb depression can never be negative (T/F)

[Ans : True]

14.

During evaporative cooling of moist air ___________ remains constant

[Ans : h]

15.

During sensible heating ___________ remains constant

[Ans : Humidity ratio]

16.

By use of psychrometric chart, estimate the missing information is table

given below. The system is a mixture of water vapour and dry air, and the
total pressure is 1 atm.

23

17.

Use the formulas and the steam tables to find the missing property of ,
and DBT, total pressure is 100 kPa; repeat the answers using the
psychrometric chart.
o

a) 60%, 0.010

b) DPT 10 C, 50 %

c) DTP 25 C, WBT 20 C
o

b) DBT = 21 C ; = 0.0076

[Ans : a) DBT = 23 C

18

c) = 0.0128 ; =
0.64]

A rigid of volume vessel 300 litre contains air water vapour mixture at 150
o
kPa, 40 C, and 10% relative humidity. Calculate the following
a) partial pressure of air and water vapour
b) Moisture content in kg per kg of dry air
c) Dew point temperature
d) degree of saturation
[ Hint : Since the pressure 150 kPa, standard psychrometric charts should not
be referred]
[Ans : a) pv= 6.645 kPa ; pa=143.35 kPa
b) w =
0.0288

c) DPT = 37.62 C
3

d) m = 0.894 ]

19.

10m /min of moist air at 10 C, 90% relative humidity is passed over a heater
o
until the temperature reaches 20 C. Determine the quantity of heat added
per minute.
[Ans : 117.3 kJ/min]

20.

100 kg/minute of air at drybulb temperature 40 C and wet bulb temperature

passes over the cooling of a vapour compression refrigeration plant of overall
o
COP 3. If the preferred exit temperature is 25 C, what is the power required
for the plant ?
[Ans : 8.61 kW]
o
Moist air in a piston/cylinder is at 35 C, 100 kPa, and a relative humidity of
20%. It is to be compressed isothermally until the pressure increases to 200
kPa. Find the final volume and final relative and specific humidity.

21.

22.

23.

[Ans : 0.5 m ; 40 %; 7.07 g.w.v/kg of air]

o
A vessel of volume 1m containing steam at 20 MPa, 400 C is kept inside a
3
o
room of volume 100 m containing dry air at 100 kPa, and 27 C. As the wall of
the vessel ruptures, steam fills the entire volume of the room. What will be
the final room pressure.
3

Atmospheric air at 35 C, relative humidity 10%, is too warm and also too dry.
o
An air conditioner should deliver it at 20 C and 60% relative humidity in the
3
amount of 3600 m /min. Sketch a setup to accomplish this, find any amount
o
of liquid (at 20 C) that is needed or discarded and any heat transfer.
[Ans : 18.43 kg/min to be added]
24

24.

In an evaporative cooling process 600 m /hr of at 39 C, 20% relative humidity

o
is cooled to 25 C. Calculate.
a) Final relative humidity
b) final humidity ratio
c) required water quantity in kg/hr
[Ans : 83 %; 0.012 kg w.v/kg of d.a; 3.75 kg/hr]

25.

100m /hr of atmospheric air at 40 C, 50% relative humidity is cooled until it

o
becomes saturated at 15 C. Determine :
a) Moisture content at the exit
b) Heat removal rate in kW
c) The rate of condensate formed in kg/min

26.

[Ans : 0.0105 kg w.v/kg d.a; 1.755

kw; 0.0225 kg/mco]
3
o
In an air-conditioning process 100 m /min of atmospheric air at 5 C, 50%
o

relative humidity is to be conditioned to 25 C, 60% relative humidity. The

processing is done is two stages : Sensible heating followed by evaporative
cooling. Determine the condition of air at the end of sensible heating and the
required heating load. Also compute the rate of moisture addition in kg/min.
27.

Two streams of moist air are mixed adiabatically as shown in the Figure p.28.
Determine the condition of the air after mixing.

28.

[Ans : 27 C DBT; 60% RH]

A common method for dehumidifying air employs silica gel to absorb some of
o
the moisture in the air. Suppose that 2 kg/s of moist air with DBT 30 C and RH
80% enters the dehumidifier and leaves with a relative humidity of 30%.
Determine :
25

a) DBT at the exit of the humidifier

b) Humidity Ratio at the exit of the humidifier
c) Mass of water vapour removed per hour
o
[Ans : 43 C; 0.016 kg w.v/ kg of d.a; 43.2
kg/hr]
o

29.

Atmospheric air with a dry bulb temperature 30 C and a relative humidity

o
70% is cooled to 12 C dry bulb temperature in a steady flow process.
Determine the heat transfer from the air per unit mass of dry air and the
amount of water vapour condensed per unit mass of dry air.
[Ans : 44 kJ/kg; 0.01 kg w.v/kg of d.a]

30.

A combination of cooling and reheat process is used to deliver air at a dry

o
bulb temperature of 20 C and a relative humidity of 40 %. The air enters at a
o
dry bulb temperature of 30 C with a relative humidity of 70% and a
3
volumetric flow rate of 45 m /min. Determine :
a) the heat transfer rate in the cooling section
b) the heat transfer rate in the heating section and
c) the mass flow rate from the cooling section
[Ans : 48.2 kW; 12.52 kW; 0.97 kg/min]

26