Ton of Refrigeration (TR)

Definition

A Ton of Refrigeration (TR) is a unit of power used in refrigeration and air conditioning. It is defined as the amount of heat absorbed to freeze one ton (2000 pounds) of water at 0°C in 24 hours. In SI units, 1 TR equals 3.517 kW.

History

The term "ton of refrigeration" originated in the 19th century. Early refrigerating machines were designed to mimic the cooling effect of ice. The ton was a convenient measure, reflecting the amount of ice that could be produced or melted in a day. The concept became standardized in engineering and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) fields.

Uses

TR is widely used in the HVAC industry to describe the cooling capacity of air conditioning units and refrigeration systems. It is prevalent in commercial and residential settings, particularly in North America.

Conversions

  • 1 TR = 3.517 kW
  • 1 TR = 12,000 BTU/h
  • 1 TR = 302.4 W

Fun Facts

  • A common misconception is that a ton of refrigeration refers to the weight of refrigerants; it actually refers to heat removal capacity.
  • The term is often used interchangeably with BTU, though they measure different aspects of cooling.
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