Conversion Formula:
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The kilowatts to BTU/hr conversion calculates British thermal units per hour from kilowatts. This is important for comparing and converting between different power measurement systems, particularly in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This conversion factor represents the number of British thermal units per hour equivalent to one kilowatt of power.
Details: Accurate power conversion is crucial for HVAC system design, energy efficiency calculations, and comparing equipment specifications that use different measurement units.
Tips: Enter power value in kilowatts. The value must be non-negative. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent BTU/hr value.
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3412.142?
A: This value comes from the definition of BTU and watt: 1 watt = 3.412142 BTU/hr, so 1 kilowatt (1000 watts) = 3412.142 BTU/hr.
Q2: When would I need to convert kW to BTU/hr?
A: This conversion is commonly used in HVAC industry for sizing heating and cooling equipment, where BTU/hr is the standard unit for capacity.
Q3: Is this conversion exact?
A: The conversion factor 3412.142 is a standard accepted value, though slight variations may exist in different contexts due to rounding conventions.
Q4: Can I convert BTU/hr back to kW?
A: Yes, to convert BTU/hr to kW, divide the BTU/hr value by 3412.142.
Q5: Are there different types of BTU?
A: While there are different definitions historically, the International Table BTU is the most commonly used in these conversions and equals approximately 1055.06 joules.