1. What is a BTU to kW Cooling Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts cooling capacity from BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) 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 power in kilowatts (kW)
• \( Q \) — Cooling capacity in BTU per hour (BTU/h)

Explanation: 1 kW of cooling power is equivalent to 3412 BTU/h. The formula divides BTU/h by this conversion factor.

3. Importance of BTU to kW Conversion

Details: Accurate conversion between these units is essential for equipment specification, energy calculations, and comparing cooling systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in BTU/h. The result will show the equivalent cooling power in kilowatts.

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: Is this the same for heating and cooling?
A: Yes, the conversion factor is the same whether measuring heating or cooling capacity.

Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact when using the International Table BTU definition.

Q4: What's a typical air conditioner BTU rating?
A: Residential units typically range from 5,000 BTU/h (small window unit) to 36,000 BTU/h (whole-house system).

Q5: How many kW is 1 ton of cooling?
A: 1 ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h, which converts to approximately 3.517 kW.