Fishing Midst the Morning Dew
Applying the Psychrometric Chart
Author(s)
Abstract
In this case study, “Tatiana,” a college student, introduces psychrometry to her younger brother as she explains the physical phenomenon of dew. This everyday scenario is used to demonstrate the relationship between moisture content in the air and its various properties during an explanation of condensation, dew point, saturation, and related concepts. Students commonly have difficulty comprehending and applying the psychrometric chart, however this skill is necessary for them to acquire in order to be able to analyze moisture-air mixtures in industrial settings. This case was developed as an activity to reinforce the psychrometry lecture in a food engineering course for junior-level college students. It could also be used in other classes that teach psychrometry such as food science, agricultural engineering, grain processing, thermodynamics, architectural design, process engineering, and mass transfer analysis.
Objectives
- Relate prior experiences to engineering concepts.
- Reinforce and relate chemistry concepts.
- Strengthen scientific thinking skills.
- Enhance understanding of moisture in the air and the properties of-air water mixtures.
- Explain the phenomenon of condensation, the problems it can cause and how to prevent it.
- Apply the psychrometric chart to explain a real life scenario.
Keywords
Psychrometry; psychrometric chart; humidity; humid air; condensation; dew; moisture; air conditioning; food engineering;Topical Areas
N/AEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
DirectedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Agriculture | Atmospheric Science | Chemistry (General) | Chemical Engineering | Civil Engineering | Climatology / Meteorology | Engineering (General) | Environmental Engineering | Environmental Science | Food Science / Technology | Industrial Engineering | Science (General) |
Date Posted
1/17/2020Teaching Notes
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