Cooling Water Requirement Calculation

Cooling Water Flow Equation:

\[ Flow = \frac{Heat\ Load}{Density \times Specific\ Heat\ Capacity \times \Delta T} \]

Heat Load (Q):

Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Specific Heat Capacity (c):

J/kg°C

Temperature Difference (ΔT):

°C

Cooling Water Flow:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Cooling Water Flow Calculation?

The cooling water flow calculation determines the required flow rate of water needed to remove a specific heat load while maintaining a desired temperature difference. This is essential for designing and operating cooling systems in various industrial and HVAC applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental heat transfer equation:

\[ Flow = \frac{Q}{\rho \times c \times \Delta T} \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Heat load (Watts)
\( \rho \) — Water density (kg/m³, typically 997 kg/m³ at 25°C)
\( c \) — Specific heat capacity of water (J/kg°C, typically 4182 J/kg°C)
\( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between inlet and outlet (°C)

Explanation: The equation balances the heat energy that needs to be removed with the water's capacity to absorb that heat based on its flow rate and properties.

3. Importance of Cooling Water Calculation

Details: Accurate cooling water flow calculation ensures efficient heat removal, prevents equipment overheating, optimizes energy usage, and helps in proper system sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter heat load in watts, water density in kg/m³ (default is 997 for water at 25°C), specific heat capacity in J/kg°C (default is 4182 for water), and desired temperature difference in °C.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical ΔT for cooling systems?
A: Most systems use ΔT between 5-10°C, but this depends on system requirements and constraints.

Q2: Why is density important in the calculation?
A: Density affects the mass flow rate - higher density means more mass per unit volume to carry heat away.

Q3: How does water temperature affect the calculation?
A: Both density and specific heat capacity vary slightly with temperature, though for most applications the variation is negligible.

Q4: Can this be used for other liquids?
A: Yes, but you must use the correct density and specific heat values for the specific liquid.

Q5: What about system losses?
A: This calculation provides theoretical requirements. Real systems should include safety factors for heat losses and other inefficiencies.