1. What is Wet Bulb Temperature?

Wet bulb temperature is the lowest temperature that can be reached by evaporating water into the air at constant pressure. It represents the temperature read by a thermometer covered in water-soaked cloth over which air is passed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wet bulb temperature formula:

Where:

• \( Tw \) — Wet bulb temperature (°C)
• \( Td \) — Dry bulb temperature (°C)
• \( RH \) — Relative humidity (%)
• 17.27 and 243.5 — Constants for water vapor pressure calculation

Explanation: This equation is solved iteratively as it contains the wet bulb temperature on both sides of the equation.

3. Importance of Wet Bulb Temperature

Details: Wet bulb temperature is critical in meteorology, HVAC design, industrial processes, and human heat stress assessment. It helps determine the cooling potential through evaporation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter dry bulb temperature in °C and relative humidity as a percentage (0-100%). The calculator uses an iterative method to solve the equation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between dry bulb and wet bulb temperature?
A: Dry bulb temperature is the ambient air temperature, while wet bulb temperature accounts for evaporative cooling effects.

Q2: Why is wet bulb temperature important for human health?
A: High wet bulb temperatures indicate conditions where evaporative cooling becomes less effective, increasing heat stress risk.

Q3: What is a dangerous wet bulb temperature?
A: Wet bulb temperatures above 35°C are considered extremely dangerous as they approach the limit of human survivability.

Q4: How is this different from heat index?
A: Heat index combines temperature and humidity to calculate "feels like" temperature, while wet bulb temperature is a physical measurement.

Q5: What instruments measure wet bulb temperature?
A: Psychrometers and sling psychrometers are traditional instruments, while modern HVAC systems often use electronic sensors.