Wet Bulb Temperature Calculator

Wet Bulb Temperature Equation:

\[ T_w = T - \left[(T - T_{dp}) \left(1 - \frac{RH}{100}\right)\right] \]

Wet Bulb Temperature (T_w):

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1. What is Wet Bulb Temperature?

Wet bulb temperature (T_w) is the lowest temperature that can be reached by evaporative cooling of a wet thermometer bulb. It's a critical measure in meteorology, HVAC design, and heat stress assessment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wet bulb temperature approximation formula:

\[ T_w = T - \left[(T - T_{dp}) \left(1 - \frac{RH}{100}\right)\right] \]

Where:

\( T \) — Dry bulb temperature (°C)
\( T_{dp} \) — Dew point temperature (°C)
\( RH \) — Relative humidity (%)
\( T_w \) — Wet bulb temperature (°C)

Explanation: The equation approximates the wet bulb temperature based on the relationship between dry bulb temperature, dew point, and relative humidity.

3. Importance of Wet Bulb Temperature

Details: Wet bulb temperature is crucial for assessing human heat stress, designing cooling systems, and predicting weather phenomena. It's particularly important in evaluating dangerous heat conditions where evaporative cooling becomes ineffective.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter dry bulb temperature and dew point in °C, and relative humidity in percentage (0-100%). All values must be valid (RH between 0-100).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this approximation?
A: This is a simplified approximation. For precise measurements, psychrometric calculations or direct measurement with a wet bulb thermometer are needed.

Q2: What's the difference between wet bulb and dew point?
A: Wet bulb temperature is affected by evaporative cooling, while dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor.

Q3: Why is wet bulb temperature important for human health?
A: It indicates the lowest temperature achievable through evaporative cooling (sweating). Wet bulb temperatures above 35°C can be life-threatening.

Q4: How does altitude affect wet bulb temperature?
A: This calculator assumes sea level conditions. At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure affects the calculations.

Q5: What are typical wet bulb temperature ranges?
A: Normal ranges vary by climate, but generally stay below 30°C. Industrial environments might reach higher values.