1. What is a Cooling Tower BTU Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cooling capacity of a tower in BTUs, considering both sensible and latent heat components.

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers and facility managers determine the thermal performance of cooling towers.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Total cooling capacity (BTU)
• \( m \) — Water mass flow rate (lb)
• \( c \) — Specific heat capacity (BTU/lb·°F)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature change (°F)
• \( Q_{latent} \) — Latent heat component (BTU)

Explanation: The formula calculates sensible heat transfer plus any additional latent heat from evaporation.

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Calculations

Details: Accurate BTU calculations ensure proper tower sizing, energy efficiency, and effective heat rejection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water mass flow rate, specific heat (default 1.0 BTU/lb·°F for water), temperature change, and latent heat (if applicable). All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between sensible and latent heat?
A: Sensible heat changes temperature (measured by ΔT), while latent heat changes state (evaporation) without temperature change.

Q2: What's a typical specific heat value for water?
A: Pure water is 1.0 BTU/lb·°F, but treated tower water may vary slightly.

Q3: When should I include latent heat?
A: Include latent heat when evaporation is significant (typically 10-20% of total cooling in towers).

Q4: How do I find the water mass flow rate?
A: Measure flow in GPM and multiply by 8.34 lb/gal × 60 min/hr for lb/hr.

Q5: What's a typical ΔT for cooling towers?
A: Range is typically 10-30°F depending on tower design and wet bulb temperature.