1. What is Cooling Tower Capacity?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cooling tower capacity equation:

Where:

• \( GPM \) — Water flow rate in gallons per minute
• \( Range \) — Temperature difference between hot and cold water in °F
• \( 0.001 \) — Conversion factor to tons of cooling

Explanation: The equation calculates the heat removal capacity based on water flow rate and temperature difference.

3. Importance of Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper capacity calculation ensures the cooling tower can handle the required heat load, maintains system efficiency, and prevents undersizing or oversizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water flow rate in GPM and temperature range in °F. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between GPM and cooling capacity?
A: Higher flow rates (GPM) generally mean greater cooling capacity, but actual capacity depends on the temperature range.

Q2: How does temperature range affect capacity?
A: Larger temperature differences (range) result in higher heat transfer and thus greater cooling capacity.

Q3: What's the difference between cooling tower capacity and chiller capacity?
A: Cooling tower capacity refers to heat rejection to atmosphere, while chiller capacity refers to cooling provided to the building.

Q4: Are there other factors that affect cooling tower performance?
A: Yes, including wet-bulb temperature, air flow, tower design, and water quality.

Q5: How often should cooling tower capacity be checked?
A: Capacity should be verified during commissioning and periodically as part of routine maintenance.