Environmental/Psychrometric Test Cells in Industrial Facilities

Abstract

A psychrometric test cell, or environmental walk-in room, requires unique design procedures to ensure the cell's compliance with performance specifications. Normal heating and air-conditioning calculations cannot be applied unless the heat transfer characteristics are steady state. A ramp between two temperatures within a specified time period is not steady state, and the design procedure requires a knowledge of differential equations. This paper defines construction materials, building procedures, components of mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the controls to operate the systems to comply with performance specification of environmental/psychrometric test cells typically used in industrial facilities. In addition, the many limitations of equipment selection are outlined to prevent improper design and subsequent failure of the test cell to meet specified performance criteria.