1. What is a Heat Pump kW per Ton Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the power consumption in kilowatts (kW) required per ton of cooling capacity for a heat pump system.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and homeowners estimate the electrical power requirements for heat pump systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power requirement (kilowatts)
• \( T \) — Cooling capacity (tons)
• 3.517 — Conversion factor (1 ton of cooling = 3.517 kW)

Explanation: The cooling capacity in tons is multiplied by the standard conversion factor to determine the electrical power needed.

3. Importance of kW per Ton Calculation

Details: This calculation helps in sizing electrical systems, estimating operating costs, and comparing heat pump efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the cooling capacity in tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr). The result shows the estimated power consumption in kilowatts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 3.517 the conversion factor?
A: This comes from the definition of 1 ton of refrigeration being equal to 3.517 kilowatts of power.

Q2: Does this account for the heat pump's COP?
A: No, this is the theoretical power requirement. Actual consumption will depend on the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of your specific unit.

Q3: How does this relate to SEER ratings?
A: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) considers actual seasonal performance, while this calculation shows the basic power-to-capacity relationship.

Q4: Can I use this for air conditioners too?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies to conventional air conditioning systems.

Q5: What's a good kW/ton ratio for efficiency?
A: Lower values indicate better efficiency. Modern high-efficiency heat pumps often achieve around 0.8-1.2 kW/ton.