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TR = BTU/hr / 12000
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A ton of refrigeration (TR) is a unit of power used in refrigeration and air conditioning to describe the heat extraction capacity. One TR is equivalent to the cooling power of one short ton (2000 pounds) of ice melting in a 24-hour period.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: Since one ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/hr, dividing BTU/hr by 12,000 converts to tons of refrigeration.
Details: Accurate TR calculation is essential for sizing refrigeration and air conditioning systems, ensuring they have adequate capacity to meet cooling requirements without being oversized.
Tips: Enter BTU/hr value (must be greater than 0). The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tons of refrigeration.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/hr equal to 1 ton of refrigeration?
A: This comes from the historical definition where one ton of refrigeration represents the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice in 24 hours, which absorbs 288,000 BTU. Dividing by 24 hours gives 12,000 BTU/hr.
Q2: What are typical TR values for residential AC units?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with each ton providing about 12,000 BTU/hr of cooling capacity.
Q3: How does TR relate to electrical power consumption?
A: While TR measures cooling capacity, electrical consumption depends on the system's efficiency (EER or SEER rating). Higher efficiency systems provide more cooling per watt of electricity.
Q4: Are there different definitions of tons of refrigeration?
A: Yes, there are metric tons (approx. 13,900 BTU/hr) and long tons (approx. 13,500 BTU/hr), but the standard in North America is the short ton (12,000 BTU/hr).
Q5: When is this conversion most commonly used?
A: This conversion is essential for HVAC professionals when sizing equipment, comparing system capacities, and ensuring proper load matching for refrigeration systems.