Heat Strip Size Calculator:
Enter the values of voltage, V(V) and current, I(A) to determine the value of Heat Strip Size, HSS(BTU/hr).
Heat Strip Size Formula:
A heat strip, often used in HVAC systems and other heating applications, is a component designed to generate thermal energy when an electric current passes through it. Heat strips are commonly used to provide supplementary heating or as a primary heating source in systems such as heat pumps, where they supply additional warmth in cooler conditions. The size of a heat strip is typically defined by the power it can deliver, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour.
The Heat Strip Size (HSS) is calculated based on the electric power consumed by the strip. This is determined by multiplying the voltage (V) in volts and the current (A) in amperes, which provides the power in watts (W). This wattage value is then converted into BTU/hr by multiplying by a constant factor of 3,413 (since 1 watt equals 3.413 BTU/hr) and dividing by 1,000 to get the value in kilowatts.
Understanding the HSS is essential for determining the heating capacity required for specific environments and ensuring efficient energy usage in heating systems. An accurately sized heat strip ensures optimal heating performance, avoiding both under-heating and excessive energy consumption. Key factors affecting the HSS calculation include the voltage supplied to the heat strip, the current drawn by the strip, and the conversion factor from watts to BTUs.
The Heat Strip Size, HSS(BTU/hr) in British Thermal Unit per hour is equal to the product of voltage, V(V) in volts and current, I(A) in amperes, divided by 1,000 to convert watts to kiloWatts, then multiplied by 3,413.
Heat Strip Size, HSS(BTU/hr) = V(V) * I(A) / 1000 * 3413
HSS(BTU/hr) = heat strip size in British Thermal Unit per hour, BTU/hr.
V(V) = voltage in volts, V.
I(A) = current in amperes, A.
Heat Strip Size:
1.Calculate the HSS for a heat strip with a voltage of 240V and a current of 20A.
Given:V(V) = 240V, I(A) = 20A.
Heat Strip Size, HSS(BTU/hr) = V(V) * I(A) / 1000 * 3413
HSS(BTU/hr) = 240 * 20 / 1000 * 3413
HSS(BTU/hr) = 4800 / 1000 * 3413
HSS(BTU/hr) = 4.8 * 3413
HSS(BTU/hr) = 16382.4BTU/hr.
2.Find the current (A) required if a heat strip with a voltage of 120V needs an HSS of 10,239 BTU/hr.
Given:V(V) = 120V, HSS(BTU/hr) = 10239BTU/hr.
Heat Strip Size, HSS(BTU/hr) = V(V) * I(A) / 1000 * 3413
I(A) = HSS(BTU/hr) * 1000 / V(V) * 3413
I(A) = 10239 * 1000 / 120 * 3413
I(A) = 10239000 / 409560
I(A) = 25A.