1. What is Sensible Heat Gain?

Sensible heat gain refers to the heat added to or removed from a space that causes a change in temperature but not in moisture content. It's a key concept in HVAC system design and thermal comfort analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sensible heat gain equation:

Where:

• \( Q_s \) — Sensible heat gain (W)
• \( m \) — Mass flow rate (kg/s)
• \( c_p \) — Specific heat capacity (J/kg·K)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature change (K)

Explanation: The equation calculates the thermal energy required to change the temperature of a substance without changing its phase.

3. Importance of Sensible Heat Calculation

Details: Accurate sensible heat calculation is crucial for proper HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency analysis, and maintaining thermal comfort in buildings.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between sensible and latent heat?
A: Sensible heat changes temperature, while latent heat changes phase (e.g., evaporation/condensation) without temperature change.

Q2: What are typical c_p values for air?
A: For dry air at room temperature, c_p ≈ 1005 J/kg·K. For water, it's ≈ 4186 J/kg·K.

Q3: How does this relate to HVAC systems?
A: HVAC systems must account for both sensible and latent heat loads to properly condition spaces.

Q4: Can this be used for cooling calculations?
A: Yes, the same equation applies for both heating and cooling scenarios.

Q5: What if I have volumetric flow rate instead of mass flow?
A: Convert using Q = m/ρ, where ρ is density (≈1.2 kg/m³ for air at standard conditions).