Oil Fired Heaters: Understanding Heating Power in kW, BTU, and kcal
Heating power is a critical metric when it comes to evaluating the performance of heating equipment. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the units used to measure heating power—kilowatts (kW), British Thermal Units (BTU), and kilocalories (kcal)—and explore how this metric is employed in the specifications of the products we sell, leveraging the energy content of diesel as a benchmark.
1. Units of Measurement:
Kilowatts (kW), British Thermal Units (BTU) and Kilocalories (kcal). The specification charts on our sites do not always contain all of these three units of measuring power, but they typically contain one (usually kilowatts or british thermal units. Below is an explanation of each.
Kilowatts (kW):
Kilowatts (kW) are a unit of power commonly used to measure the heating capacity of appliances like heaters. In the context of heating equipment, kilowatts indicate the rate at which the device produces or consumes energy. For example, a heater with a higher kilowatt rating generally has a greater heating capacity, providing more warmth within a given time frame. Understanding the kilowatt rating is crucial when assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of heating equipment.
British Thermal Units (BTU):
When discussing heating power, British Thermal Units (BTUs) are a common unit of energy measurement, especially in the context of heating and cooling systems. A British Thermal Unit is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
In the realm of heating equipment, the BTU rating is used to quantify the heating capacity. For example, a heater with a higher BTU rating can produce more heat per unit of time, indicating a greater heating capacity. This measurement is essential for selecting the right heating equipment based on the specific heating needs of a space.
Kilocalories (kcal):
In the context of heating systems, a kilocalorie (kcal) is a unit of energy used to measure heating capacity. One kilocalorie is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. When expressed in kilocalories per hour (kcal/h), it becomes a measure of the heating power or capacity of a heating appliance.
For instance, a heating system with a higher kilocalories per hour rating indicates a greater capacity to generate heat within a specific time frame. This measurement is essential for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of heating equipment, helping users choose systems that meet their heating needs.
2. Diesel Energy & Specification “Heating Power”:
Many of our product specifications utilise the energy content of diesel as a basis for determining heating power (or, there or thereabouts at least). This approach allows for a standardised and consistent method of representing the heating capabilities of the equipment we sell.
Diesel and heating fuels such as kerosene, for instance, hold approximately 10-11 kW of energy per litre. In other words, if you burn one litre of diesel the energy output is 10kW. Therefore, a heater that burns 1 litre an hour would be rated as having heating power in the region of 10kW. Or, one that burned 5 litres per hour would be rated at about 50kW heating power.
(Source: https://www.sustainabilityexchange.ac.uk/files/cambridge_regional_college_sus_how_much_energy_do_you_use_pdf.pdf)
Master BV77 Example:
The Master BV77 heater, which consumes 2 litres of fuel per hour, boasts a heating power rating of 21 kW. Calculating the ratio of heating power to fuel consumption, we find that the diesel energy output per litre is 10.5 kW (21 kW divided by 2 litres). This calculation underscores the efficient utilisation of the energy content within the diesel fuel, resulting in the generation of 21 kilowatts of heating power. It highlights the effectiveness of the heater in converting fuel into a substantial and useful output for heating applications, making it a reliable and powerful tool in the realm of high-pressure cleaning equipment.
B230 Heater Example:
The Master B230 heater, with a fuel consumption rate of 6.2 litres per hour, showcases a remarkable heating power output of 65 kW. Through the calculation of the ratio between heating power and fuel consumption, the diesel energy output per litre is found to be approximately 10.48 kW (65 kW divided by 6.2 litres). This calculation serves to underscore the correlation between fuel consumption and the ensuing heating power, reinforcing the significance of diesel's energy content as a benchmark. It exemplifies the efficiency of the B230 heater in harnessing the energy within diesel fuel, resulting in a robust heating capability. This emphasis on the relationship between fuel usage and heating power highlights the heater's effectiveness in delivering substantial thermal output for applications in high-pressure cleaning equipment and reinforces its position as a powerful and reliable heating solution.
3. Considerations for Your Business:
Efficiency and Performance:
Efficiency and performance are paramount considerations in evaluating heating equipment. A comprehensive understanding of heating power, particularly in the context of fuel consumption, is crucial for assessing the overall efficiency and performance of the heating apparatus. This knowledge empowers our customers, enabling them to make informed decisions tailored to their specific heating requirements. By grasping the interplay between heating power and fuel efficiency, customers can select equipment that not only meets their heating needs but also operates optimally, enhancing overall efficiency and performance in their applications.
How heating power helps with gauging efficiency and performance:
Heating power serves as a crucial and rapid indicator of a heater's maximum heating potential and effectiveness. However, it's essential to consider the type of heater and its method of heating the space. For instance, the heating potential of an air heater may be compromised if the heated air is lost or not distributed effectively. In the case of indirect air heaters, although the exhaust gas is flued away for fresh air, there is some heat loss with the exhaust fumes.
When you consider these factors, the Airrex range stands out in terms of heating power/heating efficiency. As their efficient fuel combustion eliminates the need for flueing exhaust fumes. This ensures complete heat transfer for infrared heat. Consequently, the AH200i, AH300i, and AH800i are expected to closely align with their respective heating capacities of 13kW, 15kW, and 22kW, in theory.
Conclusion:
In the realm of high-pressure cleaning equipment, heating power is a key factor in ensuring the effectiveness of the equipment you provide. By comprehending the units of measurement, understanding practical examples like the Master BV77 and B230 heaters, and leveraging the energy content of diesel, your business can offer valuable insights to customers, promoting informed decision-making in their heating equipment investments.