Calculate Condensate From Cooling Coil

Condensate Formula:

\[ Condensate = Air Flow \times (Humidity Ratio In - Out) \times 7000 / h_{fg} \]

Air Flow:

cfm

Humidity Ratio In:

gr/lb

Humidity Ratio Out:

gr/lb

h_fg:

Btu/lb

Condensate:

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1. What is Condensate Calculation?

Condensate calculation determines the amount of water removed from air by a cooling coil during the dehumidification process. This is crucial for proper drainage system design and humidity control in HVAC systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the condensate formula:

\[ Condensate = Air Flow \times (Humidity Ratio In - Out) \times 7000 / h_{fg} \]

Where:

\( Air Flow \) — Air flow rate in cubic feet per minute (cfm)
\( Humidity Ratio In \) — Entering air humidity ratio in grains per pound (gr/lb)
\( Humidity Ratio Out \) — Leaving air humidity ratio in grains per pound (gr/lb)
\( h_{fg} \) — Latent heat of vaporization in British thermal units per pound (Btu/lb)
\( 7000 \) — Conversion factor (grains per pound)

Explanation: The formula calculates the amount of moisture condensed from air by comparing the humidity difference across the cooling coil and scaling by air flow and latent heat properties.

3. Importance of Condensate Calculation

Details: Accurate condensate calculation is essential for proper drainage system sizing, preventing water damage, maintaining indoor air quality, and ensuring efficient HVAC system operation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter air flow in cfm, humidity ratios in gr/lb, and h_fg in Btu/lb. All values must be positive, and the entering humidity should be higher than leaving humidity for condensation to occur.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical value for h_fg?
A: For standard air conditioning applications, h_fg is approximately 1075 Btu/lb at typical coil conditions.

Q2: Why is condensate calculation important?
A: It ensures proper drain pan and piping sizing, prevents overflow and water damage, and verifies dehumidification performance.

Q3: What are typical condensate rates?
A: Rates vary by climate and system size, but typically range from 0.5 to 5 pints per hour per ton of cooling capacity.

Q4: How does air temperature affect condensate?
A: Warmer air can hold more moisture, so higher entering air temperatures with high humidity will produce more condensate.

Q5: What if no condensate is calculated?
A: If humidity ratio out is greater than or equal to humidity ratio in, no condensation occurs and the result will be zero.