1. What is Cooling Tower Heat Load?

Definition: This calculator estimates the total heat load rejected by a cooling tower, including both sensible and latent heat components.

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers and facility managers determine the cooling capacity needed for their systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Total heat load (BTU)
• \( m \) — Mass flow rate of water (lb)
• \( c \) — Specific heat capacity of water (BTU/lb·°F)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature change (°F)
• \( Q_{latent} \) — Latent heat from evaporation (BTU)

Explanation: The formula calculates sensible heat (from temperature change) plus any additional latent heat from phase change.

3. Importance of Heat Load Calculation

Details: Accurate heat load calculation ensures proper cooling tower sizing, energy efficiency, and system reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical specific heat for water?
A: Water has a specific heat of about 1 BTU/lb·°F, but this can vary slightly with temperature and impurities.

Q2: When would latent heat be significant?
A: In evaporative cooling towers, latent heat from water evaporation typically accounts for 70-80% of total heat rejection.

Q3: How do I find the mass flow rate?
A: Measure water flow (gpm) and multiply by 8.33 lb/gal (for water) × 60 min/hour.

Q4: What's a typical temperature difference?
A: Cooling towers typically operate with ΔT of 10-30°F depending on design and ambient conditions.

Q5: How do I convert BTU to tons of refrigeration?
A: Divide BTU by 12,000 (1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/hr).