What Is This Tool?
This tool facilitates conversion between hectowatt, a metric unit representing 100 watts of power, and Btu (th)/hour, a unit used to measure heat transfer rate in heating and cooling systems. It is useful for translating electrical power ratings into thermal energy rates.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the power value in hectowatts you wish to convert
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Select 'hectowatt [hW]' as the input unit
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Select 'Btu (th)/hour [Btu (th)/h]' as the output unit
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Click convert to see the equivalent power in Btu (th)/hour
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Use the results for HVAC design, thermal load estimation, or equipment sizing
Key Features
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Converts power from hectowatt (hW) to Btu (th)/hour [Btu (th)/h]
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Based on a precise conversion rate using international SI definitions
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Supports HVAC and thermal energy applications
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Browser-based and easy to use for quick calculations
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Includes examples demonstrating common conversions
Examples
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Convert 2 hW to Btu (th)/hour: 2 × 341.442594972 = 682.885189944 Btu (th)/h
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Convert 0.5 hW to Btu (th)/hour: 0.5 × 341.442594972 = 170.721297486 Btu (th)/h
Common Use Cases
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Describing power output of small household electrical devices
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Rating small electric motors and portable equipment
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Comparing power consumption of devices like laptops and bulbs
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Sizing and rating HVAC equipment such as furnaces and air conditioners
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Specifying heat output of water heaters, boilers, and heat exchangers
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Estimating heating and cooling loads for buildings and refrigeration capacity
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure steady-state conditions when applying this conversion
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Understand Btu (th)/hour refers to thermochemical Btu definition, distinct from other variants
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Use conversions primarily for HVAC and thermal system sizing contexts
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Verify units carefully in applications where exact energy definitions are critical
Limitations
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Conversion does not consider transient or fluctuating power conditions
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Thermochemical Btu differs slightly from other Btu types, which may cause minor differences
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Users should exercise caution in applications demanding precise energy unit definitions
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a hectowatt?
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A hectowatt is a unit of power equal to 100 watts, used to describe the rate of energy transfer or conversion.
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Why convert hectowatt to Btu (th)/hour?
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Converting to Btu (th)/hour helps translate power ratings into thermal units commonly used for heating, cooling, and HVAC system specifications.
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Are there any differences among Btu units?
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Yes, the Btu (th)/hour unit uses the thermochemical Btu definition, which varies slightly from other Btu types, potentially affecting precise conversions.
Key Terminology
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Hectowatt (hW)
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A unit of power equal to 100 watts, using the SI prefix hecto-.
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Btu (th)/hour
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A power unit measuring heat transfer rate based on the thermochemical British thermal unit per hour.
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Conversion Rate
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The numeric factor used to translate values from one unit to another, such as 1 hW = 341.442594972 Btu (th)/hour.