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Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Kilowatts (kW) conversion

Horsepower (metric) to Kilowatts conversion table

Horsepower (metric) (PS)Kilowatts (kW)
00
10.73549875
21.4709975
32.20649625
42.941995
53.67749375
64.4129925
75.14849125
85.88399
96.61948875
107.3549875
2014.709975
3022.0649625
4029.41995
5036.7749375
6044.129925
7051.4849125
8058.8399
9066.1948875
10073.549875
1000735.49875

How to convert horsepower (metric) to kilowatts?

Converting between metric horsepower and kilowatts is a common task in engineering and physics. Here's how to do it:

Understanding the Conversion

Metric horsepower (PS, for Pferdestärke in German, meaning "horse strength") and kilowatts (kW) are both units of power. The conversion between them is a fixed ratio. Unlike conversions involving base-10 or base-2 differences (as seen in data storage), this conversion is based on a precise physical relationship.

Converting Horsepower (metric) to Kilowatts

To convert metric horsepower to kilowatts, you use the following relationship:

1 PS≈0.735499 kW1 \text{ PS} \approx 0.735499 \text{ kW}

Therefore, to convert 1 metric horsepower to kilowatts:

1 PS×0.735499kWPS=0.735499 kW1 \text{ PS} \times 0.735499 \frac{\text{kW}}{\text{PS}} = 0.735499 \text{ kW}

So, 1 metric horsepower is approximately equal to 0.735499 kilowatts.

Converting Kilowatts to Horsepower (metric)

To convert kilowatts to metric horsepower, you use the reciprocal of the previous conversion factor:

1 kW≈1.35962 PS1 \text{ kW} \approx 1.35962 \text{ PS}

Therefore, to convert 1 kilowatt to metric horsepower:

1 kW×1.35962PSkW=1.35962 PS1 \text{ kW} \times 1.35962 \frac{\text{PS}}{\text{kW}} = 1.35962 \text{ PS}

So, 1 kilowatt is approximately equal to 1.35962 metric horsepower.

Historical Context and Interesting Facts

The term "horsepower" was popularized by James Watt, a Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer, in the late 18th century. Watt needed a way to market the power of his steam engines, so he compared them to the power of horses, which were a familiar source of energy at the time. He defined one horsepower as the power required to lift 33,000 pounds by one foot in one minute. Britannica - James Watt

The metric horsepower (PS) is slightly different from the imperial horsepower (hp), where 1 hp ≈ 0.7457 kW. The metric horsepower is based on the power needed to lift a mass of 75 kilograms against Earth's gravity over a distance of one meter in one second.

Real-World Examples

Here are some examples of common power conversions:

  • Electric Motors: Electric motors are often rated in both horsepower and kilowatts. For example, a 10 horsepower motor is approximately 7.46 kW (using imperial horsepower). However, a metric 10 PS motor will be around 7.35 kW
  • Automotive Industry: Car engine power is frequently given in both horsepower and kilowatts to cater to different markets and measurement preferences.
  • Industrial Equipment: Pumps, compressors, and other heavy machinery often have power ratings in both units.
  • Generators: Power of a generator is often expressed in both horsepower and kilowatts.

See below section for step by step unit conversion with formulas and explanations. Please refer to the table below for a list of all the Kilowatts to other unit conversions.

What is Horsepower (metric)?

This section will provide a comprehensive overview of metric horsepower, including its definition, origins, calculation, and real-world applications.

Definition and Origin

Metric horsepower (PS, PferdeStärke in German, or cheval-vapeur in French) is a unit of power defined as the power required to raise a mass of 75 kilograms against Earth's gravitational force over a distance of one meter in one second. It is slightly less than the imperial horsepower.

Calculation

The value of one metric horsepower is:

1 PS=75 kg⋅9.80665 m/s2⋅1 m1 s≈735.499 watts1 \text{ PS} = \frac{75 \text{ kg} \cdot 9.80665 \text{ m/s}^2 \cdot 1 \text{ m}}{1 \text{ s}} \approx 735.499 \text{ watts}

Therefore, approximately:

1 PS≈0.98632 hp1 \text{ PS} \approx 0.98632 \text{ hp} (Imperial Horsepower)

1 hp≈1.01387 PS1 \text{ hp} \approx 1.01387 \text{ PS}

Historical Context

The term "horsepower" was originally coined by James Watt to compare the output of steam engines to the power of draft horses. While Watt's original definition is related to the imperial horsepower, the metric horsepower evolved separately on the European continent, primarily for similar comparisons involving machinery and animal power.

Real-World Examples

  • Automobiles: Engine power is commonly specified in metric horsepower in many parts of the world. For example, a typical family car might have an engine rated at 150 PS.
  • Motorcycles: Motorcycle engine power is also frequently stated in metric horsepower.
  • Agricultural Machinery: Tractors and other farming equipment often have their power output measured in PS.
  • Industrial Pumps and Motors: The power of pumps, fans, and electric motors used in industrial applications can be rated in metric horsepower. For example a pump may be rated at 5 PS.

Fun fact

While not commonly named after any specific person or law, it's interesting to know how metric horsepower is used across Europe. It gives the user a good understanding of the "power" of a machine.

What is kilowatts?

Let's explore the concept of kilowatts, a crucial unit for understanding power in various applications.

Understanding Kilowatts (kW)

A kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power in the International System of Units (SI). It represents 1,000 watts. Power, in physics, is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. One watt (W) is defined as one joule per second (1 J/s). Therefore, one kilowatt is 1,000 joules per second.

1kW=1000W=1000Js1 kW = 1000 W = 1000 \frac{J}{s}

Formation of Kilowatts

The term "kilowatt" is formed by adding the prefix "kilo-" to the unit "watt." "Kilo-" is a standard prefix in the metric system that denotes a factor of 1,000.

  • Watt (W): The base unit of power, named after James Watt.
  • Kilo (k): Prefix meaning 1,000.

Thus, a kilowatt is simply 1,000 watts. This makes it easier to express larger amounts of power in a concise and manageable way.

Kilowatts and James Watt

As mentioned above Watt (W) is named after James Watt, a Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution. While the kilowatt is a derived unit (1000 watts), it's directly linked to the base unit named in his honor. Watt's work on steam engines significantly contributed to our understanding and utilization of power.

Real-World Examples of Kilowatt Usage

Kilowatts are commonly used to measure the power consumption of various appliances and systems:

  • Electric Heaters: A typical electric heater might use between 1 kW and 3 kW.
  • Air Conditioners: A window air conditioner could use around 1 kW, while a central air conditioning system might use 3 kW to 5 kW or more.
  • Ovens: An electric oven can draw between 2 kW and 5 kW when in use.
  • Electric Vehicles (EVs): The power output of an EV motor is often expressed in kilowatts (e.g., 150 kW). The charging rate of an EV is also measured in kilowatts. A Level 2 charger might deliver 7 kW, while a DC fast charger could provide 50 kW or more.
  • Solar Panels: The power output of solar panels is typically rated in kilowatts. For example, a residential solar panel system might have a capacity of 5 kW to 10 kW.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

It's essential to differentiate between kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt-hours (kWh). Kilowatts measure power (the rate of energy use), while kilowatt-hours measure energy (the total amount of energy used over time). One kWh is the amount of energy used by a 1 kW device operating for one hour. Utility companies typically bill for energy usage in kWh.

Energy(kWh)=Power(kW)∗Time(hours)Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) * Time (hours)

For a deeper dive, consider exploring resources like Electrical units for detailed explanations of electrical units.

Complete Horsepower (metric) conversion table

Enter # of Horsepower (metric)
Convert 1 PS to other unitsResult
Horsepower (metric) to Watts (PS to W)735.49875
Horsepower (metric) to Milliwatts (PS to mW)735498.75
Horsepower (metric) to Kilowatts (PS to kW)0.73549875
Horsepower (metric) to Megawatts (PS to MW)0.00073549875
Horsepower (metric) to Gigawatts (PS to GW)7.3549875e-7
Horsepower (metric) to British thermal units per second (PS to Btu/s)0.6971182104441
Horsepower (metric) to Foot-pounds per second (PS to ft-lb/s)542.47603863681
Horsepower (metric) to Horsepower (British) (PS to hp)0.9863200702488

Power conversions