Convert Tons to kW Air Conditioning

Power Conversion Formula:

\[ P_{kW} = \text{Tons} \times 3.517 \]

Power (kW):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Tons to kW Conversion for Air Conditioning?

Definition: This calculator converts cooling capacity from tons of refrigeration to kilowatts (kW).

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers convert between these common units of cooling capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ P_{kW} = \text{Tons} \times 3.517 \]

Where:

\( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
Tons — Cooling capacity in tons of refrigeration

Explanation: One ton of refrigeration equals 3.517 kilowatts of cooling power.

3. Importance of This Conversion

Details: Understanding both units is essential for equipment specification, energy calculations, and system design in HVAC applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the cooling capacity in tons of refrigeration to get the equivalent power in kilowatts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a ton of refrigeration?
A: One ton of refrigeration is the cooling power needed to freeze one ton (2000 lbs) of water at 0°C in 24 hours.

Q2: Why 3.517 kW per ton?
A: This conversion factor comes from the exact definition of one ton of refrigeration being equal to 12,000 BTU/hour, which converts to 3.517 kW.

Q3: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, the conversion factor 3.517 is mathematically exact based on the definitions of these units.

Q4: When would I need this conversion?
A: When comparing equipment specs (often in tons) with electrical requirements (often in kW), or when working with international standards that use kW.

Q5: Does this account for system efficiency?
A: No, this is a direct unit conversion. Actual power consumption would depend on the system's energy efficiency ratio (EER) or coefficient of performance (COP).