Calculation Of Cooling Tower

Cooling Tower Capacity Formula:

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

Capacity (tons):

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1. What is Cooling Tower Capacity?

Cooling tower capacity refers to the amount of heat rejection a cooling tower can handle, typically measured in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hour of heat removal capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cooling tower capacity formula:

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

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Capacity Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for cooling tower capacity?
A: Cooling tower capacities range from small units of 10-100 tons for commercial buildings to large industrial towers exceeding 1,000 tons.

Q2: How does ambient temperature affect cooling tower performance?
A: Higher ambient wet-bulb temperatures reduce cooling tower efficiency and capacity, as the temperature difference driving heat transfer decreases.

Q3: What is the relationship between GPM and cooling capacity?
A: Higher flow rates generally increase cooling capacity, but there are practical limits based on tower design, pump capacity, and approach temperature.

Q4: When should cooling tower capacity be recalculated?
A: Capacity should be verified during system design, after modifications, when changing process loads, or if performance issues are observed.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation method?
A: This simplified formula assumes standard conditions and doesn't account for factors like wet-bulb temperature, approach, fan power, or specific tower design characteristics.