1. What is a Cooling Tower Capacity Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cooling capacity of a tower in BTU or tons based on water mass flow rate, specific heat, temperature difference, and latent heat.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers determine the cooling capacity required for various applications.

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 (°F)
• \( Q_{\text{latent}} \) — Latent heat (BTU) if phase change occurs

Explanation: The calculator computes both sensible heat (from temperature change) and latent heat (from phase change) components of cooling.

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper capacity estimation ensures efficient cooling system design, energy efficiency, and proper equipment sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between BTU and tons of cooling?
A: 1 ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU/hr. Tons are commonly used in HVAC for larger capacities.

Q2: When should I include latent heat?
A: Include latent heat when evaporation or condensation occurs in the cooling process.

Q3: What's a typical temperature difference?
A: ΔT typically ranges from 5-20°F for cooling towers, depending on design.

Q4: How do I convert lb/hr to GPM?
A: Divide lb/hr by 500 (for water) to get gallons per minute (GPM).

Q5: Why is specific heat capacity 1.0 by default?
A: Water's specific heat is approximately 1 BTU/lb·°F at room temperature.