1. What is a Cooling Tower Capacity Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the cooling tower capacity in tons based on the heat load in BTU/h.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Cooling tower capacity (tons)
• \( Q \) — Heat load (BTU/h)

Explanation: The heat load is divided by 12,000 BTU/h (equivalent to 1 ton of cooling) to determine the required cooling tower capacity.

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper capacity calculation ensures efficient cooling system operation, prevents under-sizing or over-sizing, and optimizes energy consumption.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat load in BTU/h. The value must be > 0. The result shows the equivalent cooling tower capacity in tons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 12,000 BTU/h equals 1 ton?
A: This comes from the heat absorbed by melting 1 ton of ice in 24 hours, which is approximately 12,000 BTU/h.

Q2: How do I find the heat load (Q)?
A: Heat load can be calculated from the system specifications or measured using temperature difference and flow rate.

Q3: Does this account for system inefficiencies?
A: No, this is the theoretical capacity. In practice, you may need additional capacity to account for inefficiencies.

Q4: What's the difference between cooling tower tons and refrigeration tons?
A: They both use the same ton measurement (12,000 BTU/h) but apply to different systems.

Q5: Should I add a safety factor to the calculated capacity?
A: Yes, typically 10-20% additional capacity is recommended for safety margins and future expansion.