1. What is Cooling Tower Heat Load Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the total heat load that a cooling tower needs to dissipate, including both sensible and latent heat components.

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers and facility managers properly size cooling towers for industrial and commercial applications.

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 between inlet and outlet (°F)
• \( Q_{\text{latent}} \) — Latent heat load from evaporation (BTU)

Explanation: The sensible heat component is calculated from the temperature change, while the latent heat accounts for evaporation effects.

3. Importance of Heat Load Calculation

Details: Accurate heat load determination ensures proper cooling tower sizing, energy efficiency, and reliable operation under all conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the water mass flow rate, specific heat (default 1.0 BTU/lb·°F for water), temperature difference, and any latent heat load (default 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 can be estimated from evaporation rate (typically 1-2% of circulation rate) multiplied by 970 BTU/lb.

Q3: What temperature difference should I use?
A: This is the difference between the hot water entering and cooled water leaving the tower (typically 10-30°F range).

Q4: How does this relate to cooling tower capacity?
A: The calculated heat load determines the required cooling capacity, often expressed in tons of refrigeration (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr).

Q5: Should I include a safety factor?
A: Yes, most designs include a 10-20% safety factor above the calculated heat load.