1. What is BTU to kW Conversion?

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

Purpose: It helps in comparing and converting heating/cooling capacities between different measurement systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
• \( Q_{btu} \) — Power in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)

Explanation: 1 kW is equivalent to 3412 BTU/h, so we divide the BTU/h value by 3412 to get the equivalent kW value.

3. Importance of BTU to kW Conversion

Details: This conversion is essential when working with heating and cooling systems that use different measurement units, or when comparing equipment specifications from different regions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/h value you want to convert. The result will show the equivalent power in kilowatts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3412?
A: This is the exact conversion factor where 1 kW = 3412.142 BTU/h, based on the International Table BTU definition.

Q2: What's a typical BTU rating for air conditioners?
A: Residential AC units typically range from 5,000 BTU/h (small window units) to 36,000 BTU/h (whole-house systems).

Q3: How many kW is 10,000 BTU/h?
A: Approximately 2.93 kW (10,000 ÷ 3412 ≈ 2.93).

Q4: Can I convert kW back to BTU/h?
A: Yes, multiply kW by 3412 to get BTU/h (Q_btu = P_kW × 3412).

Q5: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, this uses the standard conversion factor. Some applications might use slightly different values for specific conditions.