Cooling Tower Tonnage Calculator

Cooling Tower Tonnage Formula:

\[ Tons = \frac{GPM \times \Delta T \times 500}{12,000} \]

Cooling Tower Tonnage:

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1. What is Cooling Tower Tonnage?

Cooling tower tonnage represents the cooling capacity of a cooling tower system, measured in tons of refrigeration. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which is the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cooling tower tonnage formula:

\[ Tons = \frac{GPM \times \Delta T \times 500}{12,000} \]

Where:

\( GPM \) — Water flow rate in gallons per minute
\( \Delta T \) — Temperature range in degrees Fahrenheit
\( 500 \) — Conversion factor (8.33 lb/gal × 60 min/hr)
\( 12,000 \) — BTU per hour in one ton of refrigeration

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

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water flow rate in gallons per minute and temperature range in degrees Fahrenheit. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between GPM and tonnage?
A: Tonnage increases linearly with both water flow rate (GPM) and temperature range (ΔT). Higher flow rates or larger temperature differences result in greater cooling capacity.

Q2: What is a typical ΔT for cooling towers?
A: Typical temperature ranges are 10-30°F, with most systems designed for 10-15°F range in HVAC applications and higher ranges in industrial processes.

Q3: How does this relate to chiller tonnage?
A: Cooling tower tonnage should generally match or exceed chiller tonnage to ensure proper heat rejection from the condenser water loop.

Q4: What factors affect cooling tower performance?
A: Wet-bulb temperature, approach temperature, flow rate, tower design, and ambient conditions all significantly impact cooling tower performance and capacity.

Q5: When should I oversize a cooling tower?
A: Oversizing may be necessary for extreme climates, variable loads, future expansion, or when operating close to design wet-bulb temperatures.