COOLING GENERAL
Both sensible and latent heat contribute to the cooling load of a building. Heat gain is sensible when heat is added to the conditioned space. Heat gain is latent when moisture is added to the space (e.g., by vapor emitted by occupants and other sources). To maintain a constant humidity ratio in the space, water vapor must be removed at a rate equal to its rate of addition into the space.
Conduction is the process by which heat moves between adjoining spaces with unequal space temperatures. Heat may move through exterior walls and the roof, or through floors, walls, or ceilings. Solar radiation heats surfaces which then transfer the heat to the surrounding air. Internal heat gain is generated by occupants, lighting, and equipment. Warm air entering a building by infiltration and through ventilation also contributes to heat gain.
Building orientation, interior and exterior shading, the angle of the sun, and prevailing winds affect the amount of solar heat gain, which can be a major source of heat. Solar heat received through windows causes immediate heat gain. Areas with large windows may experience more solar gain in winter than in summer. Building surfaces absorb solar energy, become heated, and transfer the heat to interior air. The amount of change in temperature through each layer of a composite surface depends on the resistance to heat flow and thickness of each material.
Occupants, lighting, equipment, and outdoor air ventilation and infiltration requirements contribute to internal heat gain. For example, an adult sitting at a desk produces about 400 Btu per hour. Incandescent lighting produces more heat than fluorescent lighting. Copiers, computers, and other office machines also contribute significantly to internal heat gain.