What is Relative Humidity and How is Relative Humidity Calculated

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. It is a measure of the moisture content in the atmosphere and is often expressed as a percentage. Humidity is an important factor in determining how comfortable we feel in our surroundings, as well as influencing weather patterns and plant growth.

How Is Humidity Made

Humidity is created through the process of evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor, which is then released into the atmosphere. Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Relative Humidity - What is relative humidity

Relative humidity (RH%) is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature. It is expressed as a percentage, with 100% indicating that the air is completely saturated with water vapor.

RH% is calculated by measuring the actual amount of water vapor in the air and comparing it to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at that temperature. The maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold is known as the "saturation point" and is determined by the temperature of the air. Warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air.

To calculate relative humidity, you need to measure both the air temperature and the dew point. The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor begins to condense into liquid water. When the air temperature and dew point are the same, the relative humidity is 100%. If the dew point is lower than the air temperature, the relative humidity will be less than 100%. If the dew point is higher than the air temperature, the relative humidity will be greater than 100%.

How is relative humidity measured

Relative humidity is typically measured using a device called a hygrometer. There are different types of hygrometers, but two common methods for measuring relative humidity are:

Psychrometric Method: This method measures relative humidity by comparing the dry-bulb temperature (the regular air temperature) with the wet-bulb temperature (the temperature recorded when a wet surface, such as a wick or a cloth, is exposed to the air). The difference between the two temperatures helps determine the moisture content in the air, which is then used to calculate the relative humidity.
Capacitive Method: This method utilizes a capacitive sensor that measures the change in capacitance caused by the moisture in the air. The sensor consists of a thin film that absorbs moisture, and the change in humidity causes a change in the dielectric constant, which in turn alters the capacitance. The sensor converts this change into a relative humidity reading.

In both methods, the relative humidity is expressed as a percentage, indicating the amount of moisture present in the air relative to the maximum amount it could hold at a given temperature. It's important to note that these measurements are influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other gases in the air, which may require further corrections or adjustments for accurate readings.

How is relative humidity calculated

Relative humidity (RH) is calculated by comparing the actual amount of water vapor present in the air to the maximum amount of water vapor that the air could hold at a given temperature. The formula for calculating relative humidity is as follows:

RH = (Actual Vapor Pressure / Saturation Vapor Pressure) × 100

Where:

Actual Vapor Pressure: The pressure exerted by water vapor in the air.
Saturation Vapor Pressure: The maximum pressure that water vapor can exert at a given temperature.

The actual vapor pressure can be measured using various instruments, such as a psychrometer or a capacitive humidity sensor. The saturation vapor pressure is determined by the temperature and can be obtained from humidity tables or calculated using mathematical equations specific to the relationship between temperature and saturation vapor pressure.

Once you have both the actual vapor pressure and the saturation vapor pressure, you can plug these values into the formula to calculate the relative humidity. The result is usually expressed as a percentage.

It's worth noting that relative humidity is highly dependent on temperature. As the temperature changes, the amount of moisture the air can hold also changes, even if the actual amount of water vapor remains constant. Therefore, accurate relative humidity measurements should be taken at the same temperature as the associated temperature readings.

Click here for a relative humidity calculator.

Humidity Chambers

A climatic test chamber is an enclosed space used to test the performance of products under controlled environmental conditions. These chambers can simulate a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and air flow.

In a climatic test chamber, humidity is generated by introducing water vapor into the chamber. The water vapor can be introduced in several ways, such as through a steam generator or by spraying water onto a heated surface. The amount of water vapor introduced into the chamber is controlled by adjusting the humidity level on the chamber's control panel.

The humidity level inside the chamber is measured using a hygrometer. A hygrometer is an instrument that measures the moisture content in the air. There are several types of hygrometers, including mechanical, electronic, and psychrometric hygrometers. Psychrometric hygrometers are commonly used in climatic test chambers, as they provide accurate and reliable readings.

To read the relative humidity (RH%) inside a climatic test chamber, the hygrometer must be calibrated and installed properly. Calibration involves setting the hygrometer to a known humidity level and adjusting it if necessary. Once calibrated, the hygrometer can be used to measure the humidity level inside the chamber.

The RH% inside the chamber is displayed on the control panel of the climatic test chamber. It is important to monitor the RH% carefully during testing, as it can affect the performance of the product being tested. For example, if the RH% is too high, it can cause condensation to form on the product, which can affect its performance and durability.