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Cooling Capacity Formula:
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Cooling capacity calculation determines the amount of cooling power required for a space, measured in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour), which represents the heat absorption capacity needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the cooling capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts the total heat load measured in BTU/h to cooling capacity in tons, which is the standard unit for air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Details: Accurate cooling capacity calculation is essential for proper HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, comfort control, and preventing equipment overload or underperformance.
Tips: Enter the total heat load in BTU/h. The value must be positive and represents the total heat that needs to be removed from the space.
Q1: What is a BTU?
A: BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Q2: Why is cooling capacity measured in tons?
A: The term originates from the time when cooling was provided by melting ice. One ton of cooling equals the heat absorption of melting one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Q3: What factors affect total heat load?
A: Heat load includes solar gain, internal heat from people and equipment, building envelope heat transfer, ventilation, and infiltration.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a basic conversion. For precise HVAC sizing, professional load calculations considering all heat sources and building characteristics are recommended.
Q5: What is a typical cooling capacity for residential use?
A: Typical residential systems range from 1.5 to 5 tons, depending on home size, insulation, climate, and other factors.