1.

Heat Load and Water Flow Rate

Heat load, h = cp ρ q dt, ……Equation (1)

Where, h = heat load, Btu/h

cp = Specific heat, Btu/lbm °F
ρ = density, lbm/gal
q = water volume flow rate, gal per hour
dt = temperature difference, °F

For condenser water at 82°F and interpolation from Table B.1,

Give, cp = 0.998 Btu/lbm °F
ρ = 62.206 lbm/ft3 = 62.206 ÷ 7.48 = 8.316 lbm/gal

Substitute in Equation 1, convert flow rate to gal per min

Give, h = 0.998 x 8.316 x 60 x q dt
h = 498 q dt ……Equation (2)

Simplified, h = 500 q dt ……Equation (3)

2. Append below are two different approaches in computing the

condenser water flow rate.

Based on assumption: -

1.25 x Cooling Load (Tons)) = Flow rate (usgpm) x delta T (°F) / 24

……Equation (4).

Which derived from:

a. One TR condenser load rejected heat amounting to 15,000 Btu/hr.
b. 1.25 is the ratio of 15,000 Btu/hr/Tons of heat rejection to 12, 000
Btu/hr /Tons of evaporator load. The additional of 3000 Btu/hr /Tons
is to cater rejection of compressor heat.

Thus, for

300 Tons Chiller

Total heat rejection = 300 x 15,000 = 4,500,000 Btu/hr,
Based on Equation (3), 4,500,000 Btu/hr = 500 x 10 x q
Thus, Condenser flow rate, q = 900 gal per min

Based on actual data provided by Chiller manufacturer: -

300 Tons Chiller

Total heat rejection = 378 Tons = 4,536,000 btu/hr,
Based on Equation (3), 4,536,000 Btu/hr = 500 x 10 x q
Thus, Condenser flow rate, q = 907.2 gal per min