Calculate Water Condensation from Cold Plate

In summary, the amount of water collected from a cold plate below the dew point can be calculated by considering the air flow (cfm), air temperature, relative humidity, and size of the plate. The material of the plate should be aluminium or plastic to prevent corrosion and the initial temperature should be just below the dew point to save energy. Vibration is not necessary, as the water will collect on the plates and drip off. The power required to drop the air to a dew point of 55 F with a generic split-ac system for 6,000 CFM will be around 50 kW. It is also important to note that the amount of water collected will depend on the energy being removed from the air and the coil's heat transfer
  • #1
carlosinteria
2
0
How can I calculate the amount of water can be obtained from a cold plate (below dew point) considering the air flow (cfm), air temp, relative humidity % and size of the plate?
Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Do you know plate material? Its initial temperature? What happens to the plate when water condenses?
 
  • #3
The plate material would be aluminium or plastic to prevent corrosion, the target is to remove as much water as posible from an air duct. The initial temperature is going to be just below dew point because the plates would be refrigerated, to save energy. Depending on the number of plates needed I'm planning to remove water vibrating the plates, just gravity or trying a kind of a wiping system. Air flow is around 6000-7000 cfm, air temp 22-30°C and R. Humidity 50-80%
 
  • #4
What you are describing is an ordinary cooling coil. The amount of water collected will be a fuction of the energy you are removing from the air via the coil and that will depend on what is causing the coil to get cold and the coil's heat transfer effectiveness.

For 6,000 CFM, the power required to drop the air to a dew point of 55 F with a generic split-ac system will be somewhere on the order of 50 kW.

Note, you don't need to vibrate the plates. The water will collect on them and drip off.
 
  • #5
Don't mean to be a fuddy duddy but I think we got off the subject of the question. Is there a setup formula that can caculate the amount of water collected from a plate. I realize you also need to know the size of the plate in question. Please keep on topic and not redirect answer to another idea. thanks
 

1. How do you calculate water condensation from a cold plate?

To calculate water condensation from a cold plate, you will need to know the temperature of the cold plate, the relative humidity of the surrounding air, and the surface area of the cold plate. Then, you can use the formula: condensation rate = (surface area) x (humidity ratio) x (air density).

2. What is the purpose of calculating water condensation from a cold plate?

The purpose of calculating water condensation from a cold plate is to determine the amount of moisture that will collect on the surface of the cold plate. This information is important for designing and maintaining systems that use cold plates, as excess condensation can lead to equipment damage or failure.

3. How does humidity affect water condensation on a cold plate?

Humidity plays a significant role in the amount of water condensation on a cold plate. Higher humidity levels mean that there is more moisture in the air, leading to a greater potential for condensation on the cold plate. This is why it is important to consider the humidity level when calculating water condensation from a cold plate.

4. Is there a maximum amount of condensation that can form on a cold plate?

Yes, there is a maximum amount of condensation that can form on a cold plate. This is known as the dew point, which is the temperature at which the air is saturated and can no longer hold any more moisture. When the cold plate temperature reaches the dew point, condensation will stop forming.

5. How can water condensation on a cold plate be managed?

There are a few ways to manage water condensation on a cold plate. One method is to insulate the cold plate to prevent it from reaching the dew point. Another is to use a dehumidifier in the surrounding area to lower the humidity levels. Additionally, regularly monitoring and cleaning the cold plate can help prevent excess condensation buildup.

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