Are you trying to convert 93.2 kcal/hr·m·°C into Btu (th)/ft·hr·ft²·°F? You’re not alone. Thermal conductivity unit conversions can be tricky, especially when navigating between metric and imperial systems. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full conversion process, step-by-step, including the science behind the numbers and why this conversion is useful in engineering, HVAC, construction, and thermodynamics.
🔍 What Does kcal/hr·m·°C Mean?
First, let’s understand what we’re dealing with.
kcal/hr·m·°C stands for:
- kcal = kilocalories (amount of heat)
- hr = hour (time)
- m = meter (distance)
- °C = degrees Celsius (temperature difference)
This unit is commonly used to measure thermal conductivity in the metric system. It defines how much heat (in kilocalories) is transferred per hour, per meter, per degree Celsius.
🔍 What Does Btu (th)/ft·hr·ft²·°F Mean?
Now, the target unit:
Btu (th)/ft·hr·ft²·°F stands for:
- Btu (th) = British thermal unit (thermal, or “th” version)
- ft·hr·ft²·°F = British imperial units of distance, time, area, and temperature difference
This is the imperial unit of thermal conductivity used mainly in the United States for HVAC and building materials.
🔁 Conversion Overview
To convert:
93.2 kcal/hr·m·°C → ? Btu (th)/ft·hr·ft²·°F
We must use several conversion factors:
🔧 Step-by-step Conversion Factors:
- 1 kcal = 3.96832 Btu (th)
- 1 m = 3.28084 ft
- 1 m² = 10.7639 ft²
- 1 °C = 1.8 °F (temperature difference)
✅ Full Conversion Breakdown
Let’s plug in all the numbers, starting with the basic conversion formula for thermal conductivity:
1 \text{ kcal/hr·m·°C} = \frac{3.96832 \text{ Btu (th)}}{3.28084 \text{ ft} \cdot 1 \text{ hr} \cdot 10.7639 \text{ ft}^2 \cdot 1.8 \text{ °F}} ]
Simplify the Denominator:
3.28084×10.7639×1.8=63.55973.28084 \times 10.7639 \times 1.8 = 63.55973.28084×10.7639×1.8=63.5597
Now divide the numerator: 3.9683263.5597≈0.06244\frac{3.96832}{63.5597} ≈ 0.0624463.55973.96832≈0.06244
So:
1 kcal/hr\cdotpm\cdotp°C≈0.06244 Btu (th)/ft\cdotphr\cdotpft²\cdotp°F1 \text{ kcal/hr·m·°C} ≈ 0.06244 \text{ Btu (th)/ft·hr·ft²·°F}1 kcal/hr\cdotpm\cdotp°C≈0.06244 Btu (th)/ft\cdotphr\cdotpft²\cdotp°F
🎯 Final Calculation for 93.2 kcal/hr·m·°C
Multiply the value: 93.2×0.06244≈5.81993.2 \times 0.06244 ≈ 5.81993.2×0.06244≈5.819
✅ Final Answer:
93.2 kcal/hr·m·°C ≈ 5.819 Btu (th)/ft·hr·ft²·°F
📈 Why Is This Conversion Important?
✅ 1. HVAC Engineering
In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), professionals often need to convert thermal conductivity when sourcing materials or designing systems in different countries.
✅ 2. International Construction Projects
Architects and engineers working on global projects must convert between metric and imperial units to ensure insulation, piping, and building envelopes meet local standards.
✅ 3. Thermodynamics and Energy Studies
Academics, researchers, and students often use thermal conductivity in energy modeling, material science, and heat transfer analysis.