1. What is kW to BTU/h Conversion?

The conversion between kilowatts (kW) and British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) is essential for comparing heat output in different measurement systems. This is particularly important in HVAC systems, heating equipment specifications, and energy efficiency calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( kW \) — Power in kilowatts
• \( 3412.14 \) — Conversion factor (1 kW = 3412.14 BTU/h)

Explanation: The conversion factor accounts for the relationship between the metric (kW) and imperial (BTU/h) units of heat output.

3. Importance of Heat Output Calculation

Details: Accurate heat output conversion is crucial for system design, equipment selection, and energy efficiency comparisons in heating and cooling applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power value in kilowatts (kW). The value must be positive and greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 1 kW equal to 3412.14 BTU/h?
A: This conversion factor comes from the definition of BTU (the amount of energy needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1°F) and the definition of watt (1 joule per second).

Q2: When would I need to convert kW to BTU/h?
A: Common applications include comparing heating equipment specifications, sizing HVAC systems, and converting between metric and imperial units in technical documents.

Q3: Is this conversion exact?
A: The conversion factor 3412.14 is a standard accepted value, though slight variations may exist in different reference materials.

Q4: Can I convert BTU/h back to kW?
A: Yes, simply divide the BTU/h value by 3412.14 to get kW.

Q5: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/h measures power (energy per unit time). 1 BTU/h is the power needed to produce 1 BTU of heat in 1 hour.