Sensible Heat

Definition

The heat absorbed or released by a substance that changes its temperature without changing its phase. For water it is roughly 1 BTU per pound per degree Fahrenheit.

It is the math used for heat exchangers, chilled water loops, and closed loops, calculated as Q equals mass flow times specific heat times temperature change. Adding sensible heat increases translation, rotation, and vibration, spreading molecules farther apart. In water much of this energy is stored in the Hydrogen-Bond Network as potential energy rather than immediately raising temperature.

Related concepts

Heat Load · Condensate Energy Value · Specific heat of water

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🔥 thermodynamics