Chiller Cooling Capacity Formula:
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The BTU Calculator for Cooling Water calculates the cooling capacity of a chiller system based on water flow rate and temperature difference. It uses the standard formula for determining heat transfer in water-based cooling systems.
The calculator uses the chiller cooling capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the amount of heat removed from water per hour based on flow rate and temperature change, where 500 represents the number of BTUs required to change the temperature of one gallon of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Details: Accurate cooling capacity calculation is essential for proper chiller sizing, system design, energy efficiency optimization, and ensuring adequate cooling for industrial processes, HVAC systems, and commercial applications.
Tips: Enter water flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) and temperature difference in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: What does BTU/hr represent in cooling systems?
A: BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour) measures the rate of heat removal, indicating the cooling capacity of a chiller or cooling system.
Q2: Why is the constant 500 used in the formula?
A: The constant 500 accounts for the specific heat of water (8.33 lb/gal × 60 min/hr ÷ 1 BTU/lb·°F ≈ 500), simplified for practical calculations.
Q3: What is a typical ΔT for chiller systems?
A: Typical temperature differences range from 8°F to 12°F for standard chiller applications, but can vary based on system design and requirements.
Q4: Can this formula be used for other fluids?
A: No, this specific formula is designed for water. Other fluids require different constants based on their specific heat capacities and densities.
Q5: How does flow rate affect cooling capacity?
A: Higher flow rates increase cooling capacity proportionally, but also affect pump power requirements and system pressure drops.