Cubic Meters to Gcal Converter
Convert hot water volume (m³) to thermal energy (Gigacalories) for HVAC and utility billing. Includes specific heat adjustments for precise engineering calculations.
About
Utility billing disputes and HVAC system sizing often revolve around the conversion between volumetric flow and actual thermal energy delivery. While meters typically measure volume in cubic meters, billing is frequently based on heat energy in Gigacalories (Gcal). This conversion is not linear; it is thermodynamically dependent on the temperature difference (ΔT) and the specific heat capacity of the fluid.
This utility provides engineering-grade precision by allowing users to define inlet and outlet temperatures or a direct temperature delta. Unlike simple multipliers, this tool accounts for the specific physics of heat transfer, making it indispensable for facility managers auditing district heating bills or engineers designing thermal loops.
Formulas
The thermal energy Q is calculated using the specific heat formula adjusted for volume and density:
Where the volumetric heat coefficient Cv is derived from:
Detailed parameters:
- V: Volume in m3.
- ΔT: Temperature difference (Tin − Tout) in °C.
- ρ: Density of water at avg. temp (kg/m3).
- cp: Specific heat capacity (kcal/kg°C).
- 106: Conversion from kcal to Gcal (since 1 Gcal = 1,000,000 kcal).
Reference Data
| Temp (°C) | Density (kg/m3) | Spec. Heat (kcal/kg°C) | Energy Factor (Gcal/m3°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 998.2 | 0.998 | 0.000996 |
| 40 | 992.2 | 0.998 | 0.000990 |
| 60 | 983.2 | 0.999 | 0.000982 |
| 80 | 971.8 | 1.000 | 0.000972 |
| 90 | 965.3 | 1.001 | 0.000966 |
| 100 | 958.4 | 1.002 | 0.000960 |
| 120 | 943.1 | 1.004 | 0.000947 |
| 140 | 926.1 | 1.007 | 0.000933 |