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Thermal Resistance Converter

Created by CalcKit Admin
Last updated: 7 Feb 2024
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Thermal resistance is a fundamental concept in the field of thermodynamics and heat transfer, representing the ability of a material to oppose the flow of heat. It is the reciprocal of thermal conductance and is a crucial parameter in designing and analyzing systems involving heat exchange, such as electronic devices, building insulation, and various industrial applications.

It is the ratio of the temperature difference across a structure to the rate of heat transfer through it. The formula for thermal resistance is given by R = ΔT / Q, where ΔT is the temperature difference and Q is the heat transfer rate.

  • Kelvin per Watt (K/W): Kelvin per Watt is the standard unit of thermal resistance in the International System of Units (SI). It represents the temperature difference of one Kelvin across a material or system per unit of heat transfer in Watts. This unit is equivalent to degree Celsius per Watt (°C/W).
    Conversion Factor: 1 K/W = 1 °C/W (Base Unit)

  • Fahrenheit-hour per Btu (°F•h/Btu): This unit is commonly used in the United States and represents the temperature difference of one degree Fahrenheit sustained for one hour per unit of heat transfer in British Thermal Units.
    Conversion Factor: 1 °F•h/Btu(IT) = 1.8956 K/W; 1 °F•h/Btu(th) = 1.8969 K/W

  • Fahrenheit-second per Btu (°F•s/Btu): This unit introduces time as seconds, representing the temperature difference of one degree Fahrenheit sustained for one second per unit of heat transfer in British Thermal Units.
    Conversion Factor: 1 °F•s/Btu(IT) = 0.0005265651 K/W; 1 °F•s/Btu(th) = 0.0005269175 K/W

Now, whether you're working with Kelvin per Watt, Fahrenheit-hour per Btu or Fahrenheit-second per Btu, you can effortlessly convert between them using the appropriate conversion factor.

In conclusion, understanding thermal resistance and having a reliable converter tool is crucial for engineers, scientists, and anyone involved in heat transfer applications. It simplifies complex calculations and ensures accurate communication across different units of measurement, promoting efficiency and precision in thermal analysis and design.