1. What is a Cooling Tower BTU Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the heat transfer capacity (in BTU/h) of a cooling tower based on water flow rate and temperature difference.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers determine the cooling capacity of tower systems for proper sizing and performance evaluation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)
• \( Flow \) — Water flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between inlet and outlet (°F)
• \( 500 \) — Constant representing 8.33 lb/gallon × 60 min/hour × 1 BTU/lb-°F

Explanation: The formula calculates the heat removed by the cooling tower based on water flow and temperature change.

3. Importance of BTU Calculation

Details: Accurate BTU calculation ensures proper cooling tower sizing, energy efficiency, and system performance in HVAC and industrial applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the water flow rate in gpm and the temperature difference between inlet and outlet in °F. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the constant 500 used in the formula?
A: It combines the weight of water (8.33 lb/gal), time conversion (60 min/hour), and specific heat (1 BTU/lb-°F) into one constant.

Q2: What's a typical ΔT for cooling towers?
A: Most cooling towers operate with ΔT between 10-30°F, depending on design and application.

Q3: Does this work for both open and closed cooling towers?
A: Yes, the basic heat transfer calculation applies to both types, though actual performance may vary.

Q4: How do I convert BTU to tons of refrigeration?
A: Divide BTU by 12,000 (1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/h).

Q5: What factors affect cooling tower BTU capacity?
A: Wet bulb temperature, air flow, tower design, and water quality all impact actual capacity.