Gigacalories per Hour to Kilowatts Converter
Industrial HVAC and boiler sizing tool. Converts Rate of Heat Flow from Gcal/h to kW/MW. Features power scale visualization and printable output generation for engineering reports.
About
In large-scale district heating and industrial processes, the rate of energy transfer is often specified in Gigacalories per hour (Gcal/h). However, electrical pumps, chillers, and modern auxiliary equipment are almost exclusively rated in Kilowatts (kW) or Megawatts (MW). Converting between these units is a critical step in the "Boiler Sizing" phase of mechanical engineering.
This tool distinguishes itself by focusing on the Rate of Heat Flow (Power), not just static energy. It uses the precise conversion factor derived from the specific heat capacity of water standards. Whether you are retrofitting a Soviet-era heating plant or designing a new cogeneration facility, this calculator provides the exact power equivalents required for equipment selection.
Formulas
The conversion is based on the relationship between calories per second and watts.
1 Gcal/h = 1,163 kW
This factor is derived as follows:
1 Gcal = 109 cal × 4.1868 J/cal ≈ 4,186,800,000 J.
Since 1 hour = 3600 seconds:
PW = 4,186,800,000 J3600 s = 1,163,000 W = 1,163 kW
Reference Data
| Facility Type | Heat Load (Gcal/h) | Power (kW) | Power (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Residential House | 0.1 | 116.3 | 0.12 |
| Apartment Block (50 units) | 0.5 | 581.5 | 0.58 |
| Small Industrial Boiler | 1.0 | 1,163 | 1.16 |
| Shopping Mall | 2.5 | 2,907.5 | 2.91 |
| District Heating Substation | 5.0 | 5,815 | 5.82 |
| City Quarter Plant | 20.0 | 23,260 | 23.26 |
| Major Cogeneration Plant | 100.0 | 116,300 | 116.3 |