How to Convert KW to Heat L/S Air
The performance of air conditioning and heating systems depends significantly upon air flow. Liters per second (L/S) measures air flow, or the volume of air, produced by an air conditioner or heater. The calculation of liters per second depends on the power of the unit, measured in kilowatts, and the change in temperature of the air flowing into the space to heat or cool.
Step 1
Determine the amount of kilowatts. Find the kilowatt number on the appliance's label or the specifications page of the operator's manual. If neither the unit nor the manual displays kilowatts, look for the ampere (amp) and voltage rating. Multiply the amperes by volts by 1,000.
Step 2
Calculate the cubic feet per minute (cfm). Multiply the kilowatts by 3.413 by 1.0 for a 1-phase motor or 3.413 by 1.732 for a 3-phase motor. Record this number as the numerator, or the first number in a division equation. Multiply the difference between the temperature of the air after it leaves the heat source and the temperature before it enters the source by 1.08. Write this number as the denominator, or second number in a division equation. Divide the numerator by the denominator to obtain the cubic feet per minute.
Step 3
Convert the cubic feet per minute to liters per second (L/S). Divide the number of cubic feet per minute by 2.119 or multiply it by 0.471920717. One liter per second is the same as 2.119 cubic feet per minute.
References
- Florida Solar Energy Center: "Impact of Evaporator Coil Air Flow in Residential Air Conditioning Systems"; D.S. Parker et al.; 1997
- Edisto Electric:Do It Yourself Energy Audit
- City of Seattle: Standard Commissioning Procedure for Packaged Heat Pump (Air-to-Air) & Air Conditioning Units: April 1999
- Energy Codes; Energy Codes 2010 July: Residential HVAC Design; Gil Rossmiller; 2010
Resources
Writer Bio
Christopher Raines enjoys sharing his knowledge of business, financial matters and the law. He earned his business administration and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a lawyer since August 1996, Raines has handled cases involving business, consumer and other areas of the law.
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