Tons of Refrigeration Formula:
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Definition: This calculator converts power in kilowatts (kW) to tons of refrigeration, a common unit in HVAC systems.
Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers convert between power units when designing or evaluating cooling systems.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: One ton of refrigeration equals 3.517 kW of cooling power. This conversion is based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Details: Proper conversion ensures accurate system sizing, energy efficiency calculations, and equipment selection in refrigeration and air conditioning applications.
Tips: Simply enter the power in kilowatts (must be > 0) and the calculator will provide the equivalent in tons of refrigeration.
Q1: What is a ton of refrigeration?
A: It's a unit of power equal to the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice in 24 hours (12,000 BTU/hr or 3.517 kW).
Q2: Why 3.517 kW per ton?
A: This comes from the heat of fusion of ice (144 BTU/lb) and the definition of one ton (2000 lb) over 24 hours.
Q3: When would I need this conversion?
A: When comparing cooling systems, reading equipment specifications, or converting between metric and imperial units.
Q4: Is this the same for all refrigerants?
A: The ton-to-kW ratio is constant, but actual system performance depends on refrigerant properties and system design.
Q5: How precise is this conversion?
A: The 3.517 factor is standard, but practical systems may vary slightly due to efficiency factors and operating conditions.