BTU Capacity Formula:
| From: | To: |
BTU Capacity represents the effective heating/cooling output of a heat pump system. It measures the amount of heat energy the system can transfer per hour, taking into account the system's efficiency through the Coefficient of Performance (COP).
The calculator uses the BTU Capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the actual heating or cooling output by multiplying the nominal capacity (tonnage) by the system's efficiency factor (COP).
Details: Accurate BTU capacity calculation is essential for proper heat pump sizing, energy efficiency assessment, and ensuring optimal performance for specific space requirements.
Tips: Enter tonnage in tons (typical residential units range from 1.5 to 5 tons) and COP value (typically between 2.0 and 4.0 for modern heat pumps). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the difference between nominal capacity and effective BTU capacity?
A: Nominal capacity is the raw cooling power, while effective BTU capacity accounts for the system's efficiency through COP, giving the actual heating/cooling output.
Q2: What are typical COP values for heat pumps?
A: Modern heat pumps typically have COP values between 2.0 and 4.0, with higher values indicating better efficiency.
Q3: How does COP affect BTU capacity?
A: Higher COP values result in higher effective BTU capacity for the same tonnage, meaning more efficient heat transfer.
Q4: Why is 12,000 used in the calculation?
A: 12,000 BTU/hr equals 1 ton of cooling capacity, which is the standard unit for air conditioning and heat pump systems.
Q5: When should I use this calculation?
A: Use this when sizing heat pumps, comparing system efficiency, or calculating actual heating/cooling output for energy analysis.