How to Calculate Chiller Capacity? kW, BTU, and Ton Conversions
Proper capacity selection determines both initial investment and operating costs. We explain how to estimate capacity based on facility area, process load, and temperature difference.
This article was automatically translated from the Turkish original.
Basic Approach
The cooling load is the sum of heat gain from the building envelope, process/machinery load, lighting and equipment load, occupancy load, and fresh air load. In preliminary calculations, a base load per m² is used according to the facility type, and corrections for volume and temperature difference are applied.
Conversions
- 1 ton of refrigeration (TR) = 3.517 kW
- 1 kW = 3,412 BTU/h
- Water flow rate (m³/h) is approximately capacity (kW) / (1.163 × ΔT)
Safety Factor
It is common to include a 10%-20% safety margin in preliminary calculations. However, over-sizing leads to frequent cycling at partial loads and loss of efficiency. Staged or inverter compressor solutions suited to the partial load profile yield better results.
Quick Preliminary Calculation
By entering your facility information, you can view the estimated capacity in seconds using our capacity calculation tool. For an exact selection, an engineering survey must be conducted.
Engineering support for your system
Contact our team for chiller selection, a maintenance plan or breakdown response.