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Chilled Water Flow Formula:
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The Chilled Water Flow Rate Formula calculates the required water flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) based on cooling capacity in tons and temperature difference. This is essential for HVAC system design and operation.
The calculator uses the chilled water flow formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts tons of cooling to BTU/hour (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hour) and calculates the flow rate needed to achieve the required heat transfer.
Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is crucial for proper chiller sizing, pump selection, energy efficiency optimization, and ensuring adequate heat transfer in HVAC systems.
Tips: Enter cooling capacity in tons and temperature difference in °F. All values must be valid (tons > 0, ΔT > 0). Typical ΔT values range from 10°F to 20°F for most applications.
Q1: What is a refrigeration ton?
A: One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which is the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Q2: Why is ΔT important in this calculation?
A: ΔT represents the temperature difference across the chiller. A larger ΔT allows for lower flow rates, reducing pump energy consumption.
Q3: What are typical flow rates for chilled water systems?
A: Typical flow rates range from 2-3 GPM per ton for standard ΔT of 10°F, or 1.5-2 GPM per ton for higher ΔT of 15°F.
Q4: Can this formula be used for other fluids?
A: This specific formula is designed for water. For other fluids, additional factors like specific heat and density must be considered.
Q5: How does flow rate affect system performance?
A: Proper flow rate ensures efficient heat transfer. Too low flow can cause freezing, while too high flow increases pump energy and may cause erosion.