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Sensible Heat and Temperature Change

Sensible heat is thermal energy that changes temperature without phase change. Q = m·c_p·ΔT links mass, specific heat, and temperature difference. HVAC uses Q = 1.08 × CFM × ΔT (°F) for air in BTU/hr.

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Sensible heat changes T; latent heat changes phase (evaporation, condensation). SHR = Q_sensible / (Q_sensible + Q_latent) for cooling coil analysis. Water c_p ≈ 4.186 kJ/(kg·K); air ≈ 1.006 kJ/(kg·K). 1.08 = 0.075 lb/ft³ × 0.24 BTU/(lb·°F) × 60 min/hr for CFM.

Key quantities
Q = m·c_p·ΔT
Mass-based
Key relation
Q = ρ·V·c_p·ΔT
Volume-based
Key relation
Q = 1.08 × CFM × ΔT
Air HVAC
Key relation
4.186 kJ/(kg·K)
Water c_p
Key relation

Ready to run the numbers?

Why: Sensible heat drives temperature change in HVAC, process heating, and cooling. Separating sensible from latent heat (phase change) is essential for load calculations.

How: Enter mass or volume flow, temperature difference, and fluid type (or custom c_p). For air, use CFM and ΔT in °F; result in BTU/hr. The 1.08 factor comes from ρ·c_p of air at standard conditions.

Sensible heat changes T; latent heat changes phase (evaporation, condensation).SHR = Q_sensible / (Q_sensible + Q_latent) for cooling coil analysis.
Sources:ASHRAE HandbookNIST Chemistry WebBook

Run the calculator when you are ready.

Calculate Sensible HeatMass, volume, and air flow modes for heating and cooling

🏠 HVAC Heating Calculation

Calculate sensible heat for heating air in a residential HVAC system

❄️ Air Conditioning Cooling

Calculate sensible heat removal for cooling air in an AC system

🔥 Liquid Heating

Calculate sensible heat for heating water in a boiler system

🍽️ Food Processing

Calculate sensible heat for heating food products in processing

🏭 Industrial Drying

Calculate sensible heat for drying process using hot air

Sensible Heat Inputs

Mass of the substance (for one-time calculation)
Select from database or enter custom values below
Specific heat capacity of the substance
Latent heat for calculating sensible heat ratio (SHR)
J/kg
Inlet temperature is required
Inlet temperature is required

For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.

🔬 Physics Facts

🌡️

Sensible heat changes temperature; latent heat changes phase.

— ASHRAE

💧

Water c_p = 4.186 kJ/(kg·K) at 20°C.

— NIST

💨

Q = 1.08 × CFM × ΔT gives BTU/hr for standard air.

— ASHRAE

📐

For volume flow: Q = ρ·V·c_p·ΔT with consistent units.

— Engineering Toolbox

What is Sensible Heat?

Sensible heat is the heat that causes a change in temperature but not a change in phase (e.g., liquid to gas). When you heat water from 20°C to 80°C, the energy added is sensible heat. It is calculated as Q = m × cp × ΔT where m is mass, cp is specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the temperature difference.

How To Use This Calculator

  1. Select calculation mode: Mass-based, Volume-based, Air (HVAC), or Custom
  2. Enter inlet and outlet temperatures
  3. Input mass, volume, or flow rate depending on mode
  4. Select fluid type or enter custom specific heat
  5. Click Calculate to see sensible heat and energy breakdown

📐 Key Formulas

  • Mass: Q = m × cp × ΔT
  • Volume: Q = ρ × V × cp × ΔT
  • Air (HVAC): Q = 1.08 × CFM × ΔT (°F) → BTU/hr
  • Sensible Heat Ratio: SHR = Q_sensible / (Q_sensible + Q_latent)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sensible and latent heat?

Sensible heat changes temperature; latent heat causes phase change (e.g., water to steam) at constant temperature.

Why is the HVAC formula Q = 1.08 × CFM × ΔT?

The 1.08 factor accounts for the density and specific heat of air at standard conditions (60°F, 1 atm). It converts CFM and °F to BTU/hr.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator uses ideal thermodynamics. Real systems may have losses, varying specific heats, and non-standard conditions. Verify results for critical HVAC or process design.

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