1. What is a Cooling Tower Tonnage Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers determine the appropriate cooling tower size 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: The heat load is divided by 12,000 (1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/h) to determine the required cooling capacity.

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper sizing ensures efficient cooling system operation, energy savings, and prevents equipment overload.

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/h equals 1 ton?
A: This comes from the amount of heat needed to melt 1 ton of ice in 24 hours (2000 lbs × 144 BTU/lb ÷ 24 h = 12,000 BTU/h).

Q2: How do I determine the heat load?
A: Heat load can be calculated from process requirements or measured using temperature differentials and flow rates.

Q3: Does this account for safety factors?
A: No, consider adding 10-20% capacity for safety margins and future expansion.

Q4: What's typical for commercial buildings?
A: Office buildings typically require 1 ton of cooling per 400-500 sq ft, but this varies by climate and building use.

Q5: How does this relate to chiller capacity?
A: Cooling tower capacity should generally match or exceed the chiller's heat rejection requirements.