1. What is a kW to BTU Cooling Capacity Calculator?

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

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:

• \( Q \) — Cooling capacity in BTU/h
• \( P \) — Cooling power in kW
• 3412 — Conversion factor (1 kW = 3412 BTU/h)

Explanation: The conversion factor comes from the relationship between the two units of power measurement.

3. Importance of Cooling Capacity Conversion

Details: Proper conversion ensures accurate equipment sizing and comparison between systems using different measurement units.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the cooling capacity in kilowatts (kW). The value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: Is this only for cooling systems?
A: No, it works for any power conversion between kW and BTU/h, but is most commonly used for cooling capacity.

Q4: How precise is this conversion?
A: Very precise - the conversion factor is exact, not an approximation.

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