BTU Calculation Formula:
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The BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculation for cooling water supply determines the heat transfer capacity of a cooling system. It quantifies the amount of heat energy that can be removed by the water flow in a given time period.
The calculator uses the BTU formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the heat transfer rate based on water flow and temperature difference, using standard conversion factors for water properties.
Details: Accurate BTU calculation is essential for proper sizing of cooling systems, energy efficiency analysis, and ensuring adequate heat removal capacity for industrial processes and HVAC systems.
Tips: Enter GPM (gallons per minute) and ΔT (temperature difference in °F). Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: Why is the constant 500 used in the formula?
A: The constant 500 combines several conversion factors: 1 BTU/lb·°F (specific heat of water) × 8.34 lb/gal (density of water) × 60 min/hr (time conversion).
Q2: What are typical GPM values for cooling systems?
A: GPM values vary widely based on system size, from 5-20 GPM for small residential systems to hundreds or thousands of GPM for large industrial cooling systems.
Q3: What is a typical ΔT for cooling water systems?
A: Typical temperature differences range from 10-20°F for most cooling applications, though this can vary based on specific system design and requirements.
Q4: Can this formula be used for heating calculations?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to heating calculations, as it calculates heat transfer regardless of direction (heating or cooling).
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation provides a good estimate for water-based systems, but actual performance may vary due to factors like water quality, system efficiency, and heat exchanger design.