Cooling Tower Capacity Calculation

Cooling Tower Capacity Formula:

\[ Capacity = \frac{m \times C_p \times \Delta T}{3600} \]

Cooling Tower Capacity:

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1. What is Cooling Tower Capacity?

Cooling tower capacity refers to the amount of heat that a cooling tower can remove from water, typically measured in kilowatts (kW). It is a critical parameter in designing and selecting cooling towers for various industrial and HVAC applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cooling tower capacity formula:

\[ Capacity = \frac{m \times C_p \times \Delta T}{3600} \]

Where:

\( m \) — Mass flow rate of water (kg/h)
\( C_p \) — Specific heat capacity of water (J/kg·K)
\( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between inlet and outlet water (°C)
3600 — Conversion factor from joules per hour to watts

Explanation: The formula calculates the heat removal capacity based on the water flow rate, its thermal properties, and the temperature change through the cooling tower.

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Capacity Calculation

Details: Accurate capacity calculation is essential for proper cooling tower selection, energy efficiency optimization, and ensuring adequate cooling for industrial processes or building HVAC systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass flow rate in kg/h, specific heat capacity in J/kg·K (typically 4186 J/kg·K for water), and temperature difference in °C. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is specific heat capacity important?
A: Specific heat capacity determines how much energy is required to change the temperature of water, directly affecting the cooling capacity calculation.

Q2: What is a typical temperature difference (ΔT) for cooling towers?
A: Typical ΔT ranges from 5-15°C, depending on the cooling tower design and application requirements.

Q3: How does ambient temperature affect cooling tower capacity?
A: Higher ambient temperatures reduce the cooling tower's efficiency and capacity as the temperature approach to wet-bulb temperature decreases.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for other fluids besides water?
A: Yes, but you must use the correct specific heat capacity value for the specific fluid being cooled.

Q5: What factors besides capacity should be considered when selecting a cooling tower?
A: Other factors include approach temperature, range, wet-bulb temperature, water quality, space constraints, and energy efficiency.