1. What is a TR (Tons of Refrigeration) Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts cooling capacity from BTU/h to tons of refrigeration (TR), a common unit in HVAC systems.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers quickly convert between these two common cooling capacity measurements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( TR \) — Tons of refrigeration
• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour

Explanation: One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/h, based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

3. Importance of TR Calculation

Details: Proper TR calculation ensures correct sizing of cooling equipment, energy efficiency, and system performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in BTU/h to get the equivalent in tons of refrigeration. Value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 1 TR equal to 12,000 BTU/h?
A: This originates from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours (288,000 BTU/day or 12,000 BTU/h).

Q2: How do cooling towers relate to TR?
A: Cooling towers are often rated in TR to indicate their heat rejection capacity.

Q3: What's a typical TR rating for commercial buildings?
A: Small buildings might need 10-50 TR, while large commercial buildings can require hundreds or thousands of TR.

Q4: How do I convert TR back to BTU/h?
A: Multiply TR by 12,000 (BTU/h = TR × 12000).

Q5: Does this account for system efficiency?
A: No, this is a direct conversion. Actual system capacity should consider efficiency (EER/COP) and design factors.