1. What is Sensible Cooling Load?

Sensible cooling load refers to the amount of cooling required to lower the temperature of air without changing its moisture content. It represents the heat that causes a change in temperature that can be "sensed" by a thermometer.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sensible cooling load formula:

Where:

• \( CFM \) — Airflow rate in cubic feet per minute
• \( 1.08 \) — Constant factor (0.24 BTU/lb-°F × 0.075 lb/ft³ × 60 min/hour)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference in degrees Fahrenheit

Explanation: The formula calculates the sensible heat removal rate based on air volume flow rate and temperature difference between supply and return air.

3. Importance of Cooling Load Calculation

Details: Accurate cooling load calculation is essential for proper HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and preventing equipment oversizing or undersizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter CFM (airflow rate) in ft³/min and temperature difference in °F. Ensure both values are positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between sensible and latent cooling load?
A: Sensible load deals with temperature change, while latent load deals with moisture removal (humidity control).

Q2: What is a typical CFM range for residential systems?
A: Typically 350-400 CFM per ton of cooling capacity, with total CFM ranging from 800-2000 CFM for most homes.

Q3: How do I measure ΔT in practice?
A: Measure temperature difference between return air (entering the system) and supply air (leaving the system) using accurate thermometers.

Q4: Why is the constant 1.08 used?
A: It combines specific heat of air (0.24 BTU/lb-°F), air density (0.075 lb/ft³), and time conversion (60 min/hour).

Q5: Can this formula be used for heating calculations?
A: Yes, the same formula applies for sensible heating load calculation, just with heating ΔT instead of cooling ΔT.