1. What is BTU/hr to kW Cooling Capacity Conversion?

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

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers convert between these common units of cooling capacity measurement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Cooling capacity in kilowatts (kW)
• \( Q \) — Cooling capacity in BTU per hour (BTU/h)

Explanation: 1 kW of cooling capacity equals 3412 BTU/h. The conversion is derived from the relationship between these units.

3. Importance of Cooling Capacity Conversion

Details: Proper conversion ensures accurate system sizing, energy efficiency calculations, and compatibility between equipment specifications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in BTU/h. The value must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: When would I need this conversion?
A: When comparing equipment specs (often in BTU) with electrical requirements (often in kW), or when working with international standards.

Q3: Is this for both heating and cooling capacity?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies to both heating and cooling capacity measurements.

Q4: How accurate is this conversion?
A: It's precise for most engineering applications, using the standard International Table BTU.

Q5: What's a typical range for air conditioner capacities?
A: Residential units range from 5,000-60,000 BTU/h (1.5-17.6 kW), while commercial units can be much larger.