1. What is Tons of Refrigeration?

A ton of refrigeration (TR) is a unit of power used in refrigeration and air conditioning. It is defined as the rate of heat transfer that results in the freezing or melting of 1 short ton (2,000 lb) of pure ice at 0°C in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion from tons to kilowatts uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( kW \) — Kilowatts (power)
• \( tons \) — Tons of refrigeration
• \( 3.51685 \) — Conversion factor (1 TR = 3.51685 kW)

Explanation: This conversion factor comes from the exact definition of 1 ton of refrigeration being equivalent to 12,000 BTU/h, which converts to 3.51685 kW.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This conversion is essential for engineers and technicians working with refrigeration systems, air conditioning units, and heat pumps, where specifications might be given in different units.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the value in tons of refrigeration and the calculator will automatically compute the equivalent value in kilowatts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is refrigeration measured in tons?
A: The term comes from the time when ice was used for cooling, representing the cooling capacity equivalent to melting one ton of ice per day.

Q2: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor 3.51685 is exact, based on the definition of 1 TR = 12,000 BTU/h and the exact conversion between BTU/h and kW.

Q3: What's the difference between a refrigeration ton and a regular ton?
A: A refrigeration ton is a unit of power (rate of energy transfer), while a regular ton is a unit of mass (2000 pounds).

Q4: What are typical values for air conditioners?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 1-5 tons (3.5-17.6 kW), while commercial systems can be much larger.

Q5: Are there other refrigeration capacity units?
A: Yes, other units include BTU/h (1 TR = 12,000 BTU/h) and horsepower (1 TR ≈ 4.716 hp).