1. What is Cooling Tower Heat Load Calculation?

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

Purpose: 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)
• \( Q_{\text{latent}} \) — Latent heat 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 (if applicable).

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 impurities or temperature.

Q2: When should I include latent heat?
A: Include latent heat when calculating for systems with significant evaporation, like open cooling towers.

Q3: How do I find the mass flow rate?
A: Measure flow rate in GPM and multiply by 8.33 lb/gal (for water) or use flow meter readings.

Q4: What temperature difference should I use?
A: Use the difference between the entering and leaving water temperatures at the cooling tower.

Q5: How does this relate to cooling tower sizing?
A: The calculated heat load helps determine the required cooling capacity in tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr).