Conversion Formula:
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The conversion between watts and British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr) is essential in comparing power measurements between metric and imperial systems. 1 watt equals approximately 3.412142 BTU per hour.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This linear conversion factor allows precise conversion between the two power units.
Details: Converting between watts and BTU/hr is crucial in fields like HVAC system design, energy efficiency calculations, and comparing equipment specifications from different regions.
Tips: Enter any watt value (default is 1) to see its equivalent in BTU/hr. The calculator handles both whole numbers and decimals.
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.412142?
A: This exact value comes from the definition of 1 BTU as approximately 1055.06 joules and 1 watt as 1 joule per second.
Q2: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/hr?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/hr measures power (energy per unit time). Watts are directly comparable to BTU/hr as both measure power.
Q3: Is this conversion reversible?
A: Yes, to convert BTU/hr to watts, divide by 3.412142 (1 BTU/hr ≈ 0.293071 W).
Q4: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor is exact, so results are mathematically precise when using exact input values.
Q5: Where is this conversion most commonly used?
A: Primarily in HVAC (heating/cooling systems) and power generation industries where both metric and imperial units are used.