How many kilowatts are equivalent to 1 ton of refrigeration?

1 ton of refrigeration is equivalent to 3.517 kilowatts. This conversion is based on the definition of a ton of refrigeration, which is traditionally defined as the amount of heat absorbed by one ton of ice melting in a 24-hour period. When you calculate this, it equates to a cooling capacity of approximately 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.

To convert BTUs to kilowatts, you use the conversion factor that relates them. Specifically, 1 kW is equal to approximately 3,412 BTUs per hour. Therefore, when you divide the cooling capacity of 12,000 BTUs by this conversion factor (12,000 BTUs/hour ÷ 3,412 BTUs/kW), you arrive at about 3.517 kW.

This understanding is fundamental in HVAC applications, aiding in the selection of appropriate equipment sizes for heating and cooling systems based on the required tonnage and energy efficiency standards.