1. What is kW to BTU/hr Conversion?

The kW to BTU/hr conversion calculates the equivalent power in British Thermal Units per hour from a given value in kilowatts. This is commonly used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and energy calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( \text{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts
• \( 3412.142 \) — Conversion factor (1 kW = 3412.142 BTU/hr)

Explanation: The conversion factor comes from the relationship between the metric unit (kilowatt) and the imperial unit (BTU/hour) for measuring power.

3. Importance of Power Unit Conversion

Details: Accurate power unit conversion is essential for engineers, HVAC professionals, and energy analysts working with equipment specifications that use different measurement systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power value in kilowatts (kW). The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent value in BTU per hour.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3412.142?
A: This comes from the definition of 1 kW being equivalent to 3412.142 BTU per hour based on the International Steam Table calorie definition.

Q2: What are typical kW to BTU/hr conversions?
A: Common conversions: 1 kW = 3412 BTU/hr, 5 kW = 17,061 BTU/hr, 10 kW = 34,121 BTU/hr.

Q3: Is this conversion exact?
A: The conversion factor 3412.142 is standard, though some sources may use slightly different values (e.g., 3412 or 3413) depending on the specific BTU definition used.

Q4: When would I need this conversion?
A: Useful when comparing heating/cooling equipment specifications, calculating heat loads, or working with international standards that use different units.

Q5: Can I convert BTU/hr back to kW?
A: Yes, divide BTU/hr by 3412.142 to get kW. The reverse calculation is: kW = BTU/hr ÷ 3412.142.