What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to change heat flux density measurements from Btu (th)/hour/square foot to CHU/hour/square foot. Both units quantify heat transfer rates per unit area and are commonly used in HVAC and building science for evaluating thermal performance.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the heat flux density value in Btu (th)/hour/square foot.
-
Select the target unit as CHU/hour/square foot.
-
Click the convert button to get the equivalent heat flux density.
-
Review the converted value for HVAC or building envelope assessments.
Key Features
-
Converts heat flux density values between Btu (th)/hour/square foot and CHU/hour/square foot.
-
Useful for building science, HVAC design, and energy code compliance.
-
Supports expression of heat transfer rates per area for insulation and equipment sizing.
-
Easy to use with clear inputs and conversion outputs.
-
Based on established conversion rates ensuring consistency in evaluations.
Examples
-
5 Btu (th)/hour/square foot converts to approximately 2.77592 CHU/hour/square foot.
-
10 Btu (th)/hour/square foot converts to approximately 5.55184 CHU/hour/square foot.
Common Use Cases
-
Expressing heat loss or gain rates through walls, windows, and roofs per square foot.
-
Calculating HVAC loads by assessing heat transfer through building envelope components.
-
Comparing thermal performance of insulation or building materials on an area basis.
-
Sizing surface heating or cooling equipment based on required heat flux density.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Ensure consistent unit usage throughout your engineering calculations to maintain accuracy.
-
Consider the energy equivalence assumptions involved with the CHU unit when interpreting results.
-
Use this conversion for design and compliance assessments in building science and HVAC projects.
Limitations
-
The precision and energy equivalence of the CHU unit requires attention in critical calculations.
-
Users should verify unit consistency to avoid errors in specifying heat flux densities.
-
This tool does not account for variations in environmental conditions affecting heat transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does Btu (th)/hour/square foot measure?
-
It measures heat flux density as thermochemical British thermal units transferred per hour through one square foot of area, indicating heat transfer rate per unit area.
-
Why convert to CHU/hour/square foot?
-
Converting to CHU/hour/square foot allows expressing heat flux density in alternative thermal energy units suited for HVAC design and building performance assessments.
-
Where is this conversion commonly applied?
-
It is commonly used in building science, HVAC system design, energy code compliance, and evaluating thermal insulation performance.
Key Terminology
-
Btu (th)/hour/square foot
-
A unit measuring heat transfer rate per square foot, equal to one thermochemical British thermal unit transferred per hour through one square foot.
-
CHU/hour/square foot
-
A heat flux density unit expressing thermal energy flow rate in CHUs per hour across one square foot of surface.
-
Heat Flux Density
-
The rate of heat transfer per unit area, often used to characterize thermal performance in building science and HVAC.