Latent Heat Gain per Person Formula:
Definition: Latent heat gains per person is the heat that results from an increase or decrease by per person, in the amount of moisture held by the air.
Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals calculate the cooling load required to maintain comfortable humidity levels in a space based on occupant count.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The total latent heat gain is divided by the number of people to determine the per-person contribution to the cooling load.
Details: Proper latent heat calculation ensures accurate sizing of HVAC systems to handle both temperature and humidity control.
Tips: Enter the total latent heat gain in Watts, number of people, and tolerance percentage (default ±5%). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is typical latent heat gain per person?
A: Typically ranges from 30W (sedentary) to 60W (active) per person, but varies based on activity level.
Q2: Why include a tolerance percentage?
A: The tolerance accounts for variations in human activity, clothing, and environmental factors.
Q3: How do I determine total latent heat gain?
A: Measure or estimate based on occupancy, activity levels, and other moisture-producing sources.
Q4: Does this include sensible heat gain?
A: No, this calculator only addresses latent heat. Sensible heat should be calculated separately.
Q5: When would I adjust the tolerance?
A: Increase tolerance for spaces with highly variable occupancy or activity levels.