1. What is Cooling Tower Capacity?

Cooling tower capacity is a measure of a cooling tower's ability to remove heat from water, typically expressed in tons of refrigeration. It depends on the water flow rate and the temperature range (difference between inlet and outlet water temperatures).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cooling tower capacity equation:

Where:

• Flow Rate — Water flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
• Range — Temperature difference between inlet and outlet water in degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
• 30 — Conversion factor (1 ton of refrigeration = 30,000 BTU/hr)

Explanation: The equation calculates the heat removal capacity based on water flow and temperature difference.

3. Importance of Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper capacity calculation ensures the cooling tower can handle the required heat load, maintains system efficiency, and prevents equipment overload.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM and temperature range in °F. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical cooling tower capacity range?
A: Commercial cooling towers typically range from 10 to several thousand tons of cooling capacity.

Q2: How does wet-bulb temperature affect capacity?
A: Lower wet-bulb temperatures increase cooling tower capacity, while higher wet-bulb temperatures reduce capacity.

Q3: What's the difference between nominal and actual capacity?
A: Nominal capacity is at standard conditions, while actual capacity depends on current operating conditions.

Q4: How often should cooling tower capacity be checked?
A: Capacity should be verified annually or whenever system performance changes significantly.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for all cooling tower types?
A: This basic calculation applies to most mechanical draft cooling towers, but specialized towers may require additional factors.