Missing Assumption/Information? (HVAC/R)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a refrigeration plant rated at 1,200,000 Btu/hr, tasked with determining the maximum allowable wet-bulb temperature for flow rates of 240 or 320 gpm, given a cooling range of 10°F and a cold water temperature of 80°F. The participant struggles to initiate the problem due to insufficient air state information and the need for valid assumptions. Key insights include recognizing that the process involves cooling with dehumidification, which is critical for solving the problem effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of refrigeration cycle principles
  • Familiarity with psychrometric charts and wet-bulb temperature calculations
  • Knowledge of steady-state mass flow balances for air and water
  • Experience with evaporative cooling processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research psychrometric analysis for HVAC systems
  • Learn about the implications of wet-bulb temperature in cooling processes
  • Study the concept of sensible heat ratio (SHR) in refrigeration
  • Explore methods for calculating heat transfer in evaporative cooling systems
USEFUL FOR

HVAC engineers, refrigeration technicians, and students studying thermodynamics or HVAC system design will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on cooling system efficiency and performance optimization.

cmmcnamara
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Homework Statement



A refrigeration plant is rated at 1,200,000 Btu/hr with a cooling range of 10°F and a cold water temperature of 80°F. What is the maximum wet-bulb temperature allowable for 240 or 320 gpm?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am not really sure where to even start this problem. I've poured over this problem multiple times for the last couple weeks but I can't seem to figure out what to do here. I've done the basic steady state mass flow balances on the air and water flows but without any state information given for the air I'm not sure how to get to an answer without making quite a few assumptions.

Things I do realize:

1) It asks for a maximum allowable wet bulb temperature which means that it must be a constant through out the process. This also indicates that the process must be cooling with humidification or heating with dehumidification. Therefore the process must be cooling with dehumidification (evaporative cooling??).

That's really about it. If I try to use the total heat rating to find SHR, that would rely on me assuming all of the inlet water gets transferred to the air (which is insane at those flow rates). Can anyone help me even get started here? I can't think of a valid assumption that could help me solve.

Thanks ahead of time for anyone's help.
 
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