1. What is Watts to BTU/hr Conversion?

The conversion between watts and BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour) is essential for comparing power measurements between electrical systems (watts) and thermal systems (BTU/hr). This is particularly important in HVAC, energy management, and industrial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( Watts \) — Electrical power in watts
• \( 3.41214 \) — Conversion factor (1 watt = 3.41214 BTU/hr)

Explanation: This conversion factor comes from the definition of BTU as the amount of energy needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1°F, and watt as 1 joule per second.

3. Importance of Power Conversion

Details: Accurate power conversion is crucial for system design, energy efficiency calculations, and comparing electrical and thermal systems. It's commonly used in heating and cooling applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts (must be a positive number). The calculator will instantly convert to BTU/hr with high precision.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.41214?
A: This comes from the exact definition of BTU in terms of joules (1 BTU = 1055.06 J) and 1 watt = 1 J/s. 3600 seconds/hour ÷ 1055.06 J/BTU ≈ 3.41214.

Q2: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, it's based on defined physical constants, not empirical measurements.

Q3: When would I need this conversion?
A: Common uses include sizing electric heaters, comparing AC units, and energy efficiency calculations.

Q4: Does this work for both AC and DC power?
A: Yes, the conversion is the same for both AC and DC watts to BTU/hr.

Q5: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor is precise to 6 significant figures, more than adequate for most practical applications.