1. What is Cooling Tower Capacity?

Definition: Cooling tower capacity measures a tower's ability to remove heat from water, expressed in BTU (British Thermal Units).

Purpose: This calculation helps engineers size cooling towers appropriately for HVAC systems, industrial processes, and power plants.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Total cooling capacity (BTU)
• \( m \) — Mass flow rate of water (lb)
• \( c \) — Specific heat capacity of water (BTU/lb·°F)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between inlet and outlet (°F)
• \( Q_{\text{latent}} \) — Latent heat transfer from evaporation (BTU)

Explanation: The formula calculates both sensible heat (temperature change) and latent heat (evaporation) components of cooling.

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Capacity

Details: Proper capacity calculation ensures efficient heat rejection, prevents system overload, and optimizes energy consumption.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water mass flow rate, specific heat (default 1.0 for water), temperature difference, and latent heat (if known). All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical specific heat for water?
A: Pure water has a specific heat of 1.0 BTU/lb·°F, but this may vary slightly with temperature and impurities.

Q2: How do I determine the latent heat component?
A: Latent heat depends on evaporation rate. For precise calculations, measure water loss or use psychrometric charts.

Q3: What's a typical temperature difference (ΔT)?
A: Most cooling towers operate with ΔT between 10-30°F, depending on design and application.

Q4: How do I convert the result to tons of refrigeration?
A: Divide BTU by 12,000 (1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/hr).

Q5: Does this account for approach to wet bulb temperature?
A: No, this is a basic capacity calculation. For detailed tower sizing, consider approach and range calculations.