Note:

The formula for sensible heat gain from infiltration calculates the amount of heat added to a space due to the uncontrolled entry of outdoor air. This is crucial in HVAC systems to determine the cooling or heating load required for maintaining indoor thermal comfort.

Parameters:

• Q_sensible: The total sensible heat gained (measured in BTU/hr for Imperial and Watts for SI).
• Airflow (CFM or m³/s): The volumetric flow rate of air entering the space.
• ΔT (Temperature Difference): The difference between outdoor and indoor air temperatures.
• Constants:
  • 1.085: Imperial unit constant used for airflow in CFM.
  • 1210: SI unit constant used for airflow in m³/s.

Real-Life Applications:

• HVAC System Design: Ensures proper sizing of heating or cooling equipment by accounting for heat gain through air infiltration.
• Building Energy Management: Helps in optimizing insulation and sealing to reduce unwanted heat gain or loss.
• Industrial Environments: Maintains controlled temperatures in sensitive manufacturing processes.
• Data Centers: Prevents overheating by managing the impact of infiltrated air on temperature control systems.

Why Include in Environmental Calculators?

Incorporating this formula into environmental calculators is essential for accurate heat load estimation. It helps in identifying energy inefficiencies caused by infiltration and supports designing cost-effective and sustainable HVAC systems.

Conclusion:

Sensible heat gain from infiltration is a critical factor in maintaining indoor air quality and thermal comfort. By calculating and addressing this parameter, buildings can improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure a consistent indoor environment.