How this calculator works
Cooling capacity is energy removed per unit time. The converter uses 1 BTU_IT = 1055.05585262 J and 1 refrigeration ton = 12000 BTU_IT/h. It therefore converts power, not a quantity of stored heat and not a mass in tonnes. Electrical input depends on the equipment performance and cannot be inferred from cooling capacity alone.
Formula
P(W) = P(BTU_IT/h) × 1055.05585262/3600; tons = P(BTU_IT/h)/12000.
Worked example
A 24000 BTU_IT/h cooling unit has capacity 2 refrigeration tons, or 7033.705684 W. A 1 ton unit removes 3516.852842 W.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
Why BTU per hour rather than BTU?
A BTU is energy. Cooling tonnage describes power, so the time denominator is required.
Are refrigeration tons metric tonnes?
No. A refrigeration ton is a traditional US cooling-power unit.
Is cooling power electrical input?
No. Divide cooling output by the coefficient of performance to estimate electrical input under the same conditions.