1. What is Cooling Tower TR Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the cooling tower capacity in tons of refrigeration (TR) based on the heat load in BTU/hour.

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers and technicians size cooling towers for various applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Cooling tower capacity (tons of refrigeration)
• \( Q \) — Heat load (BTU/hour)

Explanation: One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/hour. The formula converts heat load to equivalent cooling capacity.

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper sizing ensures efficient heat rejection, energy savings, and prevents system overload or underutilization.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat load in BTU/hour. The value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 12,000 BTU/hour per ton?
A: This is the standard definition of a ton of refrigeration, based on the heat absorption of one ton of ice melting over 24 hours.

Q2: How do I determine the heat load (Q)?
A: Heat load can be calculated from process requirements, chiller specifications, or measured from existing systems.

Q3: Does this account for system inefficiencies?
A: No, this is a theoretical calculation. Real-world systems should include safety factors (typically 10-20% additional capacity).

Q4: Can I use this for other cooling systems?
A: Yes, the TR calculation applies to any refrigeration system, though specific applications may require additional considerations.

Q5: What's typical TR capacity for commercial buildings?
A: Office buildings typically require 1-1.5 TR per 400 sq ft, but this varies greatly by climate and building use.