Sensible Cooling Load Formula:
Definition: Sensible cooling load is the heat added or removed from conditioned space by means of roof, ceiling, floor or windows specifically caused by equipment operation.
Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals determine the cooling capacity needed to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures when accounting for heat generated by equipment.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The total cooling load is divided by the latent factor to isolate the sensible cooling component.
Details: Proper calculation ensures HVAC systems are properly sized to handle equipment heat gain while maintaining energy efficiency.
Tips: Enter the total cooling load in Watts and latent factor (default 1.25 ±5%). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What's the difference between sensible and latent cooling?
A: Sensible cooling affects dry-bulb temperature, while latent cooling affects moisture content (humidity).
Q2: Why is the latent factor typically 1.25?
A: This accounts for the typical ratio between total cooling and sensible cooling in standard applications.
Q3: When would I change the latent factor?
A: Adjust for spaces with unusual humidity levels or special equipment that generates more/less moisture.
Q4: How do I find the total cooling load?
A: Use manual calculations, load calculation software, or rule-of-thumb estimates based on equipment specifications.
Q5: Does this include safety factors?
A: No, consider adding 10-20% to the calculated load for system capacity.