1. What is Cooling Capacity?

Cooling capacity refers to the amount of heat energy that a cooling system can remove from a space or fluid per unit time. For water systems, it represents the thermal energy extracted from water as it passes through a cooling system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental heat transfer equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Cooling capacity (Watts)
• \( m \) — Mass flow rate (kg/s)
• \( c_p \) — Specific heat capacity of water (J/kg·K)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference (K)

Explanation: This equation calculates the thermal energy removed from water based on its flow rate, thermal properties, and the temperature drop across the cooling system.

3. Importance of Cooling Capacity Calculation

Details: Accurate cooling capacity calculation is essential for designing HVAC systems, industrial cooling processes, chillers, and heat exchangers. It ensures proper system sizing and energy efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical specific heat value for water?
A: The specific heat capacity of water is approximately 4186 J/kg·K at standard conditions.

Q2: How do I convert flow rate from L/s to kg/s?
A: For water, 1 L/s ≈ 1 kg/s since the density of water is approximately 1000 kg/m³.

Q3: What is the difference between K and °C in this context?
A: For temperature differences, 1 K = 1°C, so you can use the same numerical value for ΔT.

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

Q5: What are typical cooling capacity ranges?
A: Cooling capacities vary widely from small residential systems (2-5 kW) to large industrial systems (megawatts), depending on the application.