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Conversion Formula:
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The conversion from tons to kilowatts (kW) is commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems to convert cooling capacity measurements between different units.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: One ton of refrigeration is equivalent to 3.517 kilowatts of power. This conversion factor is based on the amount of heat energy required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Details: This conversion is essential for engineers, technicians, and professionals working with HVAC systems to properly size equipment, calculate energy consumption, and ensure system compatibility between different measurement standards.
Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in tons. The value must be a positive number. The calculator will automatically convert it to kilowatts using the standard conversion factor of 3.517.
Q1: What is a "ton" in refrigeration?
A: A ton of refrigeration is a unit of power that describes the heat extraction capacity of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. It originated from the time when cooling was provided by melting ice.
Q2: Why is the conversion factor 3.517?
A: This factor comes from the definition: 1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/hour = 3.517 kilowatts, based on the energy required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Q3: Is this conversion used worldwide?
A: While tons are primarily used in the US and some other countries, kilowatts are the international standard. This conversion helps bridge the gap between different measurement systems.
Q4: What are typical tonnage values for residential AC units?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, which converts to approximately 5.3 to 17.6 kW of cooling capacity.
Q5: Can this conversion be used for heating systems?
A: While the ton unit is primarily used for cooling capacity, the conversion can be applied when comparing thermal power requirements, though heating systems are more commonly rated directly in kW or BTU/h.