1. What is kcal/h to kW Conversion?

Definition: This calculator converts energy rate in kilocalories per hour (kcal/h) to power in kilowatts (kW).

Purpose: It helps in energy-related calculations, particularly in heating, cooling, and power systems where different units are used.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
• \( E_{kcal/h} \) — Energy rate in kilocalories per hour (kcal/h)

Explanation: 1 kilocalorie per hour equals approximately 0.001163 kilowatts (1/860 ≈ 0.001163).

3. Importance of Power Unit Conversion

Details: Converting between energy units is essential for system design, equipment specification, and energy efficiency calculations in various engineering fields.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the energy rate in kcal/h. The value must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 860?
A: 1 kcal = 4184 J, and 1 hour = 3600 seconds. So 1 kcal/h = 4184/3600 ≈ 1.163 W. For kW, we use 1000/1.163 ≈ 860.

Q2: Where is kcal/h commonly used?
A: Primarily in heating and cooling applications, especially in older systems or certain regions.

Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion is precise to about 6 decimal places for most practical applications.

Q4: Can I convert kW back to kcal/h?
A: Yes, multiply kW by 860 to get kcal/h.

Q5: What's the relationship to BTU/h?
A: 1 kcal/h ≈ 3.968 BTU/h, so you can convert between these units as well.