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Conversion Formula:
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The conversion from horsepower (HP) to British thermal units per hour (BTU/hr) is a standard calculation used in mechanical and thermal engineering to relate mechanical power to thermal energy output. One horsepower is equivalent to 2545 BTU per hour.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This conversion factor is derived from the definition of horsepower and the relationship between mechanical work and thermal energy.
Details: Converting horsepower to BTU/hr is essential for sizing heating and cooling systems, evaluating engine performance, and comparing mechanical power output with thermal energy requirements in various engineering applications.
Tips: Enter the horsepower value you want to convert. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent BTU/hr using the standard conversion factor of 2545 BTU/hr per horsepower.
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 2545?
A: This factor comes from the definition of 1 horsepower = 550 foot-pounds per second and the conversion of mechanical work to thermal energy (1 BTU = 778 foot-pounds).
Q2: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, the conversion factor of 2545 BTU/hr per horsepower is a standardized engineering conversion that is widely accepted and used.
Q3: Can I use this for electrical horsepower?
A: This calculator uses mechanical horsepower. For electrical horsepower (746 watts), the conversion would be slightly different.
Q4: What are typical applications of this conversion?
A: This conversion is commonly used in HVAC system design, engine performance analysis, and industrial heating/cooling calculations.
Q5: How accurate is this conversion for real-world applications?
A: While the mathematical conversion is exact, real-world efficiency factors may affect the actual thermal output compared to mechanical input.