1. What is a Cooling Tower Selection Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the total heat load for selecting an appropriately sized cooling tower.

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers and facility managers calculate the cooling capacity needed for their systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Total heat load (BTU)
• \( m \) — Mass flow rate (lb)
• \( c \) — Specific heat capacity (BTU/lb·°F)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference (°F)
• \( Q_{\text{latent}} \) — Latent heat load (BTU)

Explanation: The formula calculates both 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 selection, energy efficiency, and system reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass flow rate, specific heat capacity (default 1.0 for water), temperature difference, and any latent heat load. 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, while latent heat changes state (e.g., evaporation) without temperature change.

Q2: When would I include latent heat?
A: Include latent heat when evaporation or condensation occurs in your system.

Q3: What's a typical specific heat for water?
A: Water has a specific heat of 1 BTU/lb·°F, but other fluids may differ.

Q4: How do I find the mass flow rate?
A: Measure flow rate in gallons per minute and multiply by 8.33 lb/gal (for water).

Q5: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% to the calculated load for design margin.