Kilowatts to Refrigeration Tons Conversion Calculator

Kilowatts to Refrigeration Tons Conversion Calculator

Kilowatts to Refrigeration Tons Calculator

RT



kW to refrigeration tons (RT) calculator converts power measurements between kilowatts (kW) and tons of refrigeration (RT). This conversion is critical for:
✅ HVAC system design (air conditioning capacity)
✅ Industrial cooling (refrigeration plants)
✅ Commercial refrigeration (supermarket cold rooms)
✅ Chiller specifications (cooling capacity ratings)

Key Definitions

  • Kilowatt (kW): Metric unit of power (1 kW = 1,000 watts)

  • Ton of Refrigeration (RT): Cooling capacity needed to melt 1 ton of ice in 24 hours (1 RT ≈ 3.51685 kW)


Conversion Formulas

1. kW to Refrigeration Tons

P(RT)=P(kW)3.51685

Example:

  • Convert 35 kW to RT:

    35÷3.516859.95 RT

2. Refrigeration Tons to kW

P(kW)=P(RT)×3.51685

Example:

  • Convert 5 RT to kW:

    5×3.5168517.58 kW

Conversion Table (kW ⇆ RT)

Kilowatts (kW)Refrigeration Tons (RT)
3.51685 kW1 RT
7 kW≈ 1.99 RT
10.55 kW≈ 3 RT
17.58 kW≈ 5 RT
35.17 kW≈ 10 RT
70.34 kW≈ 20 RT
105.5 kW≈ 30 RT

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Enter kW → Get RT (Divide by 3.51685)

  2. Enter RT → Get kW (Multiply by 3.51685)

Example Calculations:

  • 50 kW to RT:

    50÷3.5168514.22 RT
  • 25 RT to kW:

    25×3.5168587.92 kW

Practical Applications

  • Air Conditioners: A 5 RT unit ≈ 17.58 kW cooling capacity

  • Data Center Cooling: A 200 RT chiller ≈ 703.37 kW

  • Industrial Freezers: A 1,000 RT system ≈ 3,516.85 kW


Comparison of Cooling Units

UnitKilowatts (kW)Refrigeration Tons (RT)
1 RT3.51685 kW1 RT
1 kW1 kW≈ 0.284 RT
1 BTU/hr0.000293 kW≈ 0.000083 RT

FAQ

1. Why is refrigeration measured in "tons"?

🔹 Historic term from ice melting capacity (1 RT = 288,000 BTU/24h)

2. How many kW is 1 ton of refrigeration?

✅ 1 RT = 3.51685 kW

3. What's the difference between RT and kW?

🔹 RT measures cooling capacity, kW measures power (both can represent the same energy)

4. How to convert 100 kW to RT?

100÷3.5168528.43 RT

5. Is higher RT always better?

❌ No - must match the cooling load requirements