1. What is a Cooling Tower Heat Load Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the total heat load that must be removed by a cooling tower system.

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers and facility managers properly size cooling towers for optimal performance.

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 difference (°F)
• \( Q_{latent} \) — Latent heat load from evaporation (BTU)

Explanation: The calculator sums the sensible heat (from temperature change) and latent heat (from phase change) components.

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 water mass flow rate, specific heat (default 1.0 BTU/lb·°F for water), temperature difference, and any latent heat load. 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 load?
A: Latent heat depends on evaporation rate. If unknown, start with 0 and consult an HVAC engineer.

Q3: What temperature difference should I use?
A: Use the difference between entering and leaving water temperatures in your cooling tower.

Q4: How does this relate to tower area?
A: Higher heat loads require larger tower areas. Consult manufacturer data for specific area requirements.

Q5: Should I include a safety factor?
A: Yes, most designs include 10-20% additional capacity for peak loads and future expansion.