Using Interactive Psychrometric Charts to Visualize and Explore Psychrometric Processes

Proper knowledge of the psychrometric properties of air is essential in the design and operation of various food storage and processing systems, such as vegetable and fruit warehouses, convection dryers, and so on. Until recently, these psychrometric properties could only be determined from measurement data by complicated calculations or by reading old, inaccurate charts. In this technology report, we discuss the availability and pedagogical uses of an interactive, Web-based psychrometric chart that has been developed to accurately compute several thermodynamic parameters and to allow students to visualize the effects of changing conditions on psychrometric properties in a conducive digital interface. This open-source software is available online free of charge and can be used effectively both in education and for solving industrial and even scientific problems.