Btu To Cfm Conversion Calculator

BTU to CFM Conversion Formula:

\[ CFM = \frac{BTU/h}{1.08 \times \Delta T} \]

Air Flow (CFM):

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1. What is BTU to CFM Conversion?

The BTU to CFM conversion calculates the required air flow (in cubic feet per minute) needed to achieve a specific cooling capacity (in BTU per hour) given a temperature difference. This is essential for HVAC system design and sizing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

\[ CFM = \frac{BTU/h}{1.08 \times \Delta T} \]

Where:

\( CFM \) — Cubic feet per minute (air flow rate)
\( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour (cooling capacity)
\( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference in degrees Fahrenheit
\( 1.08 \) — Conversion constant (accounts for air density and specific heat)

Explanation: The formula converts thermal energy (BTU) to air volume flow (CFM) based on the temperature difference the system needs to handle.

3. Importance of Air Flow Calculation

Details: Proper air flow calculation is crucial for designing efficient HVAC systems, ensuring adequate cooling capacity, preventing equipment overload, and maintaining optimal indoor air quality and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter BTU/h (cooling capacity) and temperature difference in °F. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will determine the required CFM for your cooling system.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the 1.08 constant represent?
A: The constant 1.08 accounts for the specific heat of air (0.24 BTU/lb-°F) and air density (0.075 lb/ft³), converted to minutes: 0.24 × 0.075 × 60 = 1.08.

Q2: What is a typical ΔT for HVAC systems?
A: Typical temperature differences range from 15°F to 25°F for residential systems, with 20°F being a common design value.

Q3: How does altitude affect the calculation?
A: At higher altitudes, air density decreases, which may require adjustments to the calculation. The standard formula assumes sea level conditions.

Q4: Can this be used for heating calculations?
A: Yes, the same formula applies for heating applications, where BTU/h represents heating capacity and ΔT is the temperature rise.

Q5: What are typical CFM requirements?
A: Residential systems typically require 350-500 CFM per ton of cooling (12,000 BTU/h), but this varies based on system design and application.