Two Loads, Two Numbers

In HVAC, the cooling or heating load splits into sensible (temperature) and latent (moisture). A coil or exchanger handles them differently.

Sensible Load

Q_sensible = m_dot x cp x DeltaT. This is the energy to change air temperature. It is what a sensible plate core recovers.

Latent Load

Q_latent = m_dot x h_fg x DeltaW, where h_fg is the heat of vaporisation and DeltaW is the humidity-ratio change. This is the energy to remove or add moisture.

Why the Split Drives Recovery Choice

If latent load is small, sensible recovery suffices. If it is large (humid climate), enthalpy recovery is needed to avoid dumping the moisture onto the cooling coil.