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Chiller Capacity Calculator
Calculate chiller cooling capacity from the chilled water flow rate and flow/return temperature difference. Get results in kW, tons of refrigeration, and BTU/hr.
How to Calculate Chiller Capacity
Chiller capacity is calculated as: Q (kW) = Flow Rate (L/s) × 4.18 × ΔT (°C), where 4.18 is the specific heat capacity of water in kJ/kgK.
This is the fundamental formula for field-verifying chiller performance. By measuring the flow rate and temperatures, you can confirm the chiller is delivering its rated capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure chilled water flow rate?
Use an ultrasonic flow meter clamped to the pipe, or read the value from the BMS if a flow sensor is installed. Alternatively, use the pump curve and differential pressure.
What is a ton of refrigeration?
1 ton of refrigeration (TR) = 3.516 kW = 12,000 BTU/hr. It originates from the cooling effect of melting 1 ton of ice in 24 hours.
Chiller Capacity Calculator
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