1. What is HVAC Tons to kW Conversion?

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:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
• Tons — Tons of refrigeration (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h)

Explanation: 1 ton of refrigeration equals approximately 3.517 kW of cooling power.

3. Importance of This Conversion

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

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: A unit of power equal to 12,000 BTU/h, originally defined as the heat absorption needed to melt 1 ton of ice in 24 hours.

Q2: Why is the conversion factor 3.517?
A: It comes from the exact conversion: 12,000 BTU/h ÷ 3412.142 BTU/h per kW ≈ 3.517 kW per ton.

Q3: When would I need this conversion?
A: When working with international specifications (kW) versus North American standards (tons), or for energy calculations.

Q4: Is this conversion exact?
A: It's a standard conversion factor, though slight variations may exist in specific applications.

Q5: Can I convert kW back to tons?
A: Yes, divide kW by 3.517 to get tons of refrigeration.