Advanced Calculator
Example Data Table
| Case | Flow | Delta T | Fluid | Approx Tons | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small chilled loop | 120 GPM | 10°F | Water | 50.00 | Commercial coil review |
| Process cooling | 28 L/s | 6°C | 30% Propylene Glycol | 105.00 | Industrial cooling estimate |
| Plant audit | 95 m³/h | 5.5°C | Water | 163.00 | Chiller load check |
Formula Used
Thermal load: kW = mass flow × specific heat × delta T.
Mass flow: kg/s = volume flow in m³/s × density.
Cooling tons: tons = thermal kW ÷ 3.5168528421.
BTU/hr: BTU/hr = thermal kW × 3412.141633.
Water shortcut: tons = GPM × delta T °F × 500 ÷ 12000.
Electrical kW: compressor kW = thermal kW ÷ COP.
Total kW: total electrical kW = compressor kW + pump kW.
Three phase amps: amps = watts ÷ (1.732 × volts × power factor).
Single phase amps: amps = watts ÷ (volts × power factor).
How To Use This Calculator
- Enter the measured flow rate from the loop or heat exchanger.
- Select the correct flow unit.
- Enter the temperature difference between supply and return.
- Select the correct temperature unit.
- Choose the fluid type or enter custom fluid properties.
- Add COP, pump demand, voltage, phase, and power factor.
- Add safety and fouling margins if needed.
- Press the submit button to show results above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF download for reporting.
Flow And Delta T Tonnage Planning
A flow delta T tonnage calculator connects water movement with cooling capacity. It helps technicians estimate chilled water load without waiting for long manual checks. The method is common in HVAC commissioning, plant audits, process cooling, and data center cooling studies. It also supports electrical planning because cooling tons influence compressor demand, pump energy, feeder sizing, and operating cost.
Why Flow Matters
Flow shows how much fluid passes through a coil, heat exchanger, or loop. Delta T shows how much heat the fluid absorbs or rejects. When both values are known, the heat transfer rate becomes clear. A high flow with a low temperature change may equal the same load as a lower flow with a higher temperature change. This is why both values must be reviewed together.
Electrical Use
Cooling load is not the same as electrical load. The calculator converts tons into thermal kilowatts, then estimates electrical kilowatts through the selected COP. It can also add pump demand. This gives a clearer view of running current, daily energy use, and estimated cost. The result is useful for quick breaker reviews, plant comparison, and energy reporting.
Fluid Adjustment
Pure water uses a familiar rule of thumb. Glycol mixtures need correction because density and heat capacity change. The calculator lets the user choose common fluids or enter custom density and specific heat. This improves estimates for industrial loops, freezer systems, and protected chilled water circuits.
Good Input Practice
Accurate input data matters. Use measured flow from a balanced meter or reliable sensor. Use supply and return temperatures taken at stable load. Avoid readings during start up, valve hunting, or pump speed changes. Check units before calculation. Use safety and fouling margins only when design conditions require them.
Decision Value
The output should guide judgment, not replace engineering review. It can reveal low delta T syndrome, oversized pumping, poor coil performance, or unexpected electrical demand. It also creates quick reports for teams. With CSV and PDF exports, the calculation can be stored with service notes, audit files, or maintenance records. For best results, compare several operating days. Patterns show whether plant control, valve position, sensor drift, or heat exchanger cleaning should be investigated first carefully.
FAQs
What is flow delta T tonnage?
It is the cooling capacity found from fluid flow and temperature difference. The calculator converts heat transfer into BTU/hr, tons, and thermal kilowatts.
Can I use GPM with Fahrenheit?
Yes. The calculator accepts GPM and Fahrenheit. It also converts values internally, so SI and imperial results can be shown together.
Why is fluid type important?
Different fluids have different density and specific heat. Glycol mixtures carry less heat than pure water at the same flow and delta T.
What does COP mean here?
COP compares cooling output to electrical input. A higher COP means less compressor power is needed for the same thermal load.
Does this size electrical breakers?
No. It estimates current from load, voltage, phase, and power factor. Final breaker sizing should follow electrical codes and equipment nameplates.
What is the water shortcut formula?
For water, tons equals GPM times delta T in Fahrenheit times 500, divided by 12000. It is a useful quick estimate.
What is a good GPM per ton?
Many chilled water systems use near 2.4 GPM per ton at 10°F delta T. Actual values depend on design and control strategy.
Why add safety and fouling margins?
Margins account for future load growth, fouled heat exchangers, sensor uncertainty, and design reserve. Avoid using excessive margins without engineering review.