The common unit used to measure the refrigeration effect is the "ton." This is the amount of heat absorbed in melting one ton (2000 lbs.) of ice in twenty-four hours.
The Btu equivalent of 1 ton of refrigeration is 288,000 Btu. This may be calculated by multiplying the weight of ice by the latent heat of fusion (melting) of ice.
2000 lbs x 144 = 288,000 Btu
A refrigerating or air conditioning mechanism capable of absorbing heat will be rated in tons by its heat • absorbing ability in Btu divided by 288,000.
HA
T = = Tons of Refrigeration
288,000
Effect
T = Tons of Refrigeration Effect HA = Heat absorbing ability
Example: The heat absorbing ability of a refrigerator unit is rated at 1,440,000 Btu per 24 hours. What is its ton rating?
1 440 000
Solution: T = 288,000 = 5 tons of refrigeration effect.
SAMPLE PROBLEMS: What will be the TON Rating of a refrigerating mechanism capable of absorbing 1,728,000 Btu in 24 hours? Answer: 6 Tons.
What is the Btu heat absorbing capacity of a 1/2 ton refrigerating system? Answer: 144,000 Btu per day or 6,000 Btu per hour.
Tags:
Basics of Refrigeration