Ton of Refrigeration

Definition

A rate of heat transfer equal to 12,000 BTU per hour, originally describing the heat needed to melt one ton of ice over 24 hours.

The definition is rooted in phase change rather than just temperature, since melting ice is a latent heat process. It is a standard unit for sizing chillers and cooling capacity in the field. It links the abstract BTU to a tangible amount of cooling work.

Related concepts

Heat Load · Phase Change · Chiller

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 📏 measurement