How Do You Convert Watts into Kilowatt Hours?

  • Thread starter Thread starter solaron
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Watts
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting watts into kilowatt hours (kWh) using a practical example of a 6-amp device running on a 12-volt circuit, resulting in 72 watts. To convert watts to kilowatt hours, divide the wattage by 1000 to obtain kilowatts, then multiply by the number of hours the device operates. For instance, a 72-watt device running for 3 hours consumes 0.216 kWh of energy. This method provides a clear understanding of energy consumption for household items.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including voltage and current.
  • Familiarity with the relationship between watts and kilowatts.
  • Knowledge of how to calculate energy consumption over time.
  • Basic arithmetic skills for performing conversions and calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to calculate energy consumption for various household appliances.
  • Learn about the differences between watts, kilowatts, and kilowatt hours.
  • Explore the impact of voltage and current on power consumption.
  • Investigate energy efficiency ratings for common electrical devices.
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in understanding energy consumption, including homeowners, students studying electrical engineering, and anyone looking to optimize energy use in household appliances.

solaron
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Let's say, for example, that I have a common household item that is 6amps, being run from a 12v circuit, like a car battery. That would make the wattage 72, correct? What is the time frame on that? Is that 72 watts an hour? a minute? Basically, how do I convert that number, 72watts, into a kilowatt hour? I'd like to know basically, how many kwh come from the typical car battery, in a comparison for class.

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Watts is a rate, it's 72 watts now and it will be 72 watts 3 hours from now (as long as it's still running).

Kilowatt hour is a unit of energy. Just turn watts into kilowatts by dividing wattage by 1000, then multiply by the hours the thing is running to get kilowatt hours.

If a device is 72 watts and it runs for 3 hours, 0.216 kilowatt hours of power is used.
 
Make that 0.216 kW-hr of energy.

- Warren
 

Similar threads

How do we obtain an ampere-hour rating given voltage and watt-hour?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How Do You Convert Newtons to Watts for a Maglev Train Acceleration?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
Horsepower to kilowatt-hours?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
104K
Undergrad Why Isn't Horsepower an SI Unit, Despite Its Popularity?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
How to convert Insulation Loss (in Watts/meter) to kWh energy savings per year?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
Undergrad Understanding Watt vs. Kilowatt-Hour: A Comprehensive Explanation
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
7K
Creating 1500 watts of power in the trunk of my car
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad Kilowatt-hour versus kilowatt per hour
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
20K
How to make a custom UPS using an old PC power supply and 18650 batteries?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Battery (amp hours, total charge, total current)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
111K