What does an enthalpy sensor measure?

An enthalpy sensor measures the total heat content of the air, which is a combination of both sensible and latent heat. In order to accurately determine the enthalpy of air, it is necessary to know the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity. The dry bulb temperature represents the air temperature, while relative humidity indicates the moisture content relative to the maximum possible at that temperature. Together, these values allow for a comprehensive calculation of the air's enthalpy, since they account for both the thermal energy from temperature and the energy associated with moisture content.

Understanding enthalpy is particularly important in applications related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) since it helps technicians assess the energy efficiency of air systems and make informed decisions regarding climate control. The ability to measure dry bulb temperature and relative humidity effectively captures the necessary data to calculate enthalpy accurately.