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How to use the tool
- Step 1 – Enter suction pressure: Type the value in kilopascals, e.g., 18.3 kPa or 42 kPa.
- Step 2 – (Optional) Enter flow rate: Add the airflow in cubic metres per second, e.g., 0.05 m³/s or 0.09 m³/s.
- Step 3 – Convert: Press Convert to receive power in watts.
- Step 4 – Read the result: • If both fields are filled, the tool uses the full formula. • If flow is blank, it multiplies kPa by 20 for a quick estimate.
Underlying formula
The mechanical power drawn by airflow is
$$ P = \Delta p \times Q $$- P – power (W)
- Δp – pressure difference (Pa); 1 kPa = 1000 Pa
- Q – volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
When Q is unknown, the calculator applies the industry shortcut:
$$ P \approx 20 \times (\text{kPa}) $$Example 1 – Known flow rate
- Input: 18.3 kPa and 0.05 m³/s
- Convert pressure: 18.3 kPa × 1000 = 18 300 Pa
- Compute power: 18 300 Pa × 0.05 m³/s = 915 W
Example 2 – No flow rate
- Input: 42 kPa
- Estimate power: 42 kPa × 20 = 840 W
Quick-Facts
- Formula P = Δp × Q comes from fluid-power basics (White, 2011).
- 1 kPa equals 1000 Pa (ISO 21360, 2012).
- Typical home vacuums pull 15–25 kPa (Dyson V15 Spec Sheet, 2023).
- Average household airflow ranges 0.04–0.07 m³/s (Consumer Reports, 2022).
- EU limits new vacuums to ≤ 900 W input for efficiency (EU Regulation 666/2013).
FAQ
What does this converter output?
It returns suction power in watts so you can compare vacuum cleaners on a single, familiar scale.
How do you calculate power when I supply flow rate?
The script multiplies pressure (Pa) by flow rate (m³/s) to give watts, following basic fluid power law (White, 2011).
What if I only know kPa?
The tool multiplies kPa by 20. This shortcut mirrors average consumer-vacuum airflow of 0.05 m³/s (Consumer Reports, 2022).
Is the 20× rule accurate?
It yields ±20 % error for most household units; always use real flow data for engineering tasks (ISO 21360, 2012).
How do results compare with “air watts”?
Air-watts include specific test nozzles; direct Δp × Q gives raw mechanical power, typically 5–10 % higher (Dyson V15 Spec Sheet, 2023).
Does altitude change the conversion?
Higher altitudes lower air density and flow, reducing true power by about 10 % per 1 000 m (NASA Atmosphere Model, 2016).
Why quote kPa instead of watts?
Manufacturers measure pressure easily; power needs extra airflow data and lab rigs (ISO 21360, 2012).
How can I measure flow rate at home?
Use an anemometer in the hose and multiply velocity by nozzle area; many DIY kits cost under $40 (Home Depot Product Sheet, 2023).
Important Disclaimer
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