1. What is a BTU to kW Conversion Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts power measurements from British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to kilowatts (kW).

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals, engineers, and technicians convert between these common power units used in heating and cooling systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts
• \( Q_{btu} \) — Power in BTU per hour

Explanation: The conversion factor 3412 represents the number of BTU per hour equivalent to 1 kilowatt of power.

3. Importance of Power Unit Conversion

Details: Accurate conversion between BTU/h and kW is essential for system design, equipment specification, and energy efficiency calculations in heating and cooling applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/h value you want to convert. The result will be displayed in kilowatts with 6 decimal places for precision.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 3412 as the conversion factor?
A: 1 kW equals 3412.142 BTU/h, based on the International Table BTU definition.

Q2: When would I need this conversion?
A: When comparing equipment specifications (some use BTU/h, others kW) or calculating energy usage across different measurement systems.

Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The calculator provides results to 6 decimal places, sufficient for most engineering applications.

Q4: Can I convert kW back to BTU/h?
A: Yes, multiply kW by 3412 to get BTU/h. We may add a reverse calculator in future.

Q5: Does this work for both heating and cooling BTUs?
A: Yes, the conversion is the same whether you're measuring heating capacity or cooling capacity.