How is a refrigeration ton defined?

A refrigeration ton is defined as the amount of heat absorbed to melt one ton of ice over a 24-hour period. This process is equivalent to the absorption of 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat per hour. The concept comes from the historical cooling effect of melting ice and is a standard measurement used in the industry to quantify the cooling capacity of refrigeration systems. Understanding this definition is crucial for comparing the performance and capacity of different refrigeration equipment, as it provides a clear and consistent unit for measurement based on thermal energy.