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Chilled Water Tonnage Formula:
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Chilled water tonnage calculation determines the cooling capacity required for a system, measured in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hour, which represents the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the tonnage formula:
Where:
Explanation: This simple calculation converts the total heat load in BTU/hour to equivalent cooling tons, helping size appropriate cooling equipment.
Details: Accurate tonnage calculation is essential for proper HVAC system design, ensuring adequate cooling capacity while avoiding oversizing or undersizing equipment, which affects efficiency and performance.
Tips: Enter the total heat load in BTU/hour. The value must be positive and realistic for the application. The calculator will provide the equivalent cooling tonnage.
Q1: What is a "ton" in cooling terminology?
A: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hour, representing the cooling capacity needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Q2: How do I determine the heat load (Q) for my application?
A: Heat load calculations consider factors like building size, insulation, occupancy, equipment heat generation, and climate conditions.
Q3: What are typical tonnage requirements for different applications?
A: Residential homes typically require 1-5 tons, commercial buildings 10-100+ tons, and industrial facilities may require hundreds of tons depending on the process.
Q4: Why is proper tonnage calculation important?
A: Oversized systems short cycle, reducing efficiency and humidity control. Undersized systems cannot maintain desired temperatures, leading to comfort issues.
Q5: Can this calculation be used for all types of cooling systems?
A: While the tonnage concept applies to all cooling systems, specific applications may require additional factors and professional engineering analysis.