Cooling Tower Capacity Calculation

Cooling Tower Capacity Formula:

\[ Capacity = \frac{Flow \times Range \times 500}{12,000} \]

Capacity (tons):

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1. What is Cooling Tower Capacity?

Cooling tower capacity refers to the amount of heat rejection capability measured in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hour. This calculation helps determine the appropriate size and performance of cooling towers for various applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard cooling tower capacity formula:

\[ Capacity = \frac{Flow \times Range \times 500}{12,000} \]

Where:

\( Flow \) — Water flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
\( Range \) — Temperature difference between inlet and outlet water in °F
\( 500 \) — Constant (500 BTU/min per GPM per °F)
\( 12,000 \) — Conversion factor (BTU/hour to tons)

Explanation: The formula calculates the heat rejection capacity based on water flow rate and temperature difference, converting the result to standard cooling tons.

3. Importance of Capacity Calculation

Details: Accurate capacity calculation is essential for proper cooling tower selection, system design, energy efficiency optimization, and ensuring adequate heat rejection for industrial and HVAC applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM and temperature range in °F. Ensure values are positive and realistic for accurate results. Typical flow rates range from 100-10,000 GPM depending on application size.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between cooling tower tons and refrigeration tons?
A: Both represent 12,000 BTU/hour, but cooling tower tons specifically refer to heat rejection capacity rather than cooling capacity.

Q2: How does wet-bulb temperature affect capacity?
A: Lower wet-bulb temperatures allow for greater temperature ranges and higher capacities, while higher wet-bulb temperatures reduce effective capacity.

Q3: What are typical ranges for cooling towers?
A: Typical ranges are 10-30°F, with 15-20°F being common for most industrial applications.

Q4: Can this formula be used for metric units?
A: No, this formula is specific to imperial units. For metric calculations, different conversion factors apply.

Q5: What factors can affect actual cooling tower performance?
A: Air flow, water quality, fill condition, ambient conditions, and maintenance practices can all impact actual performance versus calculated capacity.