1. What is the Tons to kW Conversion?

The conversion from cooling tons to kilowatts (kW) is used to translate cooling capacity between different measurement systems. One ton of cooling is equivalent to 3.517 kilowatts of power.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Cooling capacity in tons
• \( 3.517 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 3.517 kW)

Explanation: This conversion allows HVAC professionals and engineers to convert between the traditional tonnage measurement and the metric kilowatt measurement used in power calculations.

3. Importance of Cooling Capacity Conversion

Details: Accurate conversion between tons and kilowatts is essential for system design, energy consumption calculations, equipment selection, and international projects where different measurement systems are used.

4. Using the Calculator

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.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 1 ton equal to 3.517 kW?
A: This conversion comes from the definition of 1 ton of refrigeration as the heat absorption of 12,000 BTU per hour, which equals 3.517 kilowatts.

Q2: Is this conversion factor exact?
A: Yes, 3.517 is the precise conversion factor (12,000 BTU/hr ÷ 3,412.142 = 3.517 kW).

Q3: When is this conversion most commonly used?
A: This conversion is essential in HVAC industry for sizing equipment, calculating energy consumption, and comparing system performance across different measurement standards.

Q4: Are there different ton measurements?
A: In refrigeration, "ton" specifically refers to cooling capacity (12,000 BTU/hr). This is different from weight tons or other measurements.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for heating systems?
A: While the conversion factor is the same, heating capacity is typically measured differently. This calculator is specifically for cooling capacity conversion.