1. What is Cooling Tower Tonnage?

Cooling tower tonnage is a measure of the cooling capacity of a cooling tower, calculated based on the heat load it needs to handle. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour of heat removal.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Heat\ Load \) — Total heat to be removed in BTU per hour
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU/hr)

Explanation: The formula converts the heat load in BTU per hour to equivalent cooling tower tonnage.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper sizing of cooling towers is essential for efficient operation. Undersized towers can't handle the heat load, while oversized towers lead to unnecessary energy consumption and costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total heat load in BTU per hour. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will determine the required cooling tower capacity in tons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine my heat load?
A: Heat load can be calculated based on the specific application, equipment specifications, or through professional load calculations.

Q2: What's the difference between cooling tower tons and refrigeration tons?
A: They both equal 12,000 BTU/hr, but cooling tower tons typically refer to heat rejection capacity while refrigeration tons refer to cooling capacity.

Q3: What factors affect cooling tower sizing?
A: Besides heat load, consider wet bulb temperature, approach temperature, and system water flow rate.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for chiller tonnage?
A: Yes, the same formula applies for chiller tonnage calculations.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a basic estimate. Professional engineering analysis is recommended for precise system sizing.