1. What is Sensible Cooling?

Sensible cooling refers to the process of lowering the temperature of air without changing its moisture content. It represents the heat removed from a space that causes a change in temperature that can be measured with a thermometer.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sensible cooling equation:

Where:

• \( Q_s \) — Sensible cooling load (W)
• \( m \) — Mass flow rate of air (kg/s)
• \( c_p \) — Specific heat of air (J/kg·K)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference (K)

Explanation: The equation calculates the energy required to change the temperature of a given mass flow of air by a specific temperature difference.

3. Importance of Sensible Cooling Calculation

Details: Accurate sensible cooling calculation is crucial for proper HVAC system design, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort in buildings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass flow rate in kg/s, specific heat in J/kg·K, and temperature difference in Kelvin. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical specific heat value for air?
A: For dry air at room temperature, c_p ≈ 1005 J/kg·K. For moist air, it's slightly higher (≈1020 J/kg·K).

Q2: How is mass flow rate determined?
A: Mass flow rate is typically calculated from volumetric flow rate (m³/s) multiplied by air density (≈1.2 kg/m³ at standard conditions).

Q3: What's the difference between sensible and latent cooling?
A: Sensible cooling changes temperature, while latent cooling changes moisture content (humidity) without temperature change.

Q4: When is this calculation most important?
A: In dry climates or applications where humidity control isn't critical, sensible cooling dominates the cooling load.

Q5: How does this relate to HVAC system sizing?
A: Sensible cooling load helps determine the required capacity of cooling coils and air handling units.