Heat Load Equipment Calculator

Capture true loads from site equipment and systems. Plan HVAC capacity with transparent calculations today. Export reports, compare scenarios, and reduce costly oversizing risks.

Equipment inputs

Add multiple equipment lines and calculate a combined heat load.

Line 1
If hp is used, it converts to kW internally.
Use less than 100% if heat is exhausted or captured.
Remaining portion is counted as latent heat.
Used to estimate electrical input from rated power.
For motors driving outdoor loads via shafts.
Line 2
If hp is used, it converts to kW internally.
Use less than 100% if heat is exhausted or captured.
Remaining portion is counted as latent heat.
Used to estimate electrical input from rated power.
For motors driving outdoor loads via shafts.
Line 3
If hp is used, it converts to kW internally.
Use less than 100% if heat is exhausted or captured.
Remaining portion is counted as latent heat.
Used to estimate electrical input from rated power.
For motors driving outdoor loads via shafts.
Line 4
If hp is used, it converts to kW internally.
Use less than 100% if heat is exhausted or captured.
Remaining portion is counted as latent heat.
Used to estimate electrical input from rated power.
For motors driving outdoor loads via shafts.
Line 5
If hp is used, it converts to kW internally.
Use less than 100% if heat is exhausted or captured.
Remaining portion is counted as latent heat.
Used to estimate electrical input from rated power.
For motors driving outdoor loads via shafts.
Reset

Example data table

These sample values help validate your entries and expected ranges.

Equipment Qty Rated Load % Diversity Heat % Sensible % Result Heat (kW)
Concrete mixer motor 2 3.0 kW 75 0.8 100 100 ~4.00
Lighting banks 1 2.5 kW 100 1.0 100 100 ~2.78
Welding set 1 5.0 kW 60 0.6 90 95 ~1.90
Results depend on efficiency, heat fraction, and shaft option.

Formula used

1) Convert rated power to kW

  • kW is used directly.
  • hp is converted: kW = hp × 0.7457

2) Estimate electrical input

Electrical input is approximated using efficiency.

  • Input kW = Rated kW ÷ Efficiency

3) Base heat to the space

  • If shaft power stays in the space: Base heat kW = Input kW
  • If shaft power leaves the space: Base heat kW = Input kW − Rated kW

4) Apply operating factors

  • Heat kW = Qty × Base heat × Load factor × Diversity × Heat fraction
  • Sensible kW = Heat kW × Sensible fraction
  • Latent kW = Heat kW × (1 − Sensible fraction)

5) Unit conversions

  • BTU/h = kW × 3412.142
  • kJ/h = kW × 3600
  • TR = kW ÷ 3.517

How to use this calculator

  1. List each equipment item as a separate line.
  2. Enter rated power in kW or hp and quantity.
  3. Set load factor for typical operating intensity.
  4. Use diversity for non-simultaneous operation patterns.
  5. Adjust heat to space if heat is exhausted or captured.
  6. Choose sensible fraction to split sensible and latent loads.
  7. Press calculate and review totals above the form.
  8. Download CSV or PDF for reports and submittals.

Practical guidance for equipment heat load planning

1) Why equipment heat matters on construction sites

Temporary offices, shelters, plant rooms, and enclosed work zones often fail comfort checks because equipment heat is underestimated. Motors, welders, compressors, pumps, and task lighting convert most input energy into room heat. When airflow is limited, the heat accumulates quickly, raising dry‑bulb temperature and forcing higher cooling capacity. A structured estimate prevents costly oversizing, yet avoids nuisance trips from undersized units.

2) Converting nameplate power into real heat gain

Nameplate power is a starting point, not the delivered load. This tool converts rated power to kW, accounts for efficiency to estimate electrical input, and then applies operating intensity. A 5 kW machine at 60% load does not create 5 kW of heat continuously. Diversity further reduces the coincident peak when multiple items cycle or are used by different crews.

3) Sensible and latent components

Most electrical equipment is mainly sensible heat. However, processes that introduce moisture—wet cutting, steam cleaning, or humidified curing—can add latent load. By entering a sensible fraction, you can split totals into sensible and latent kW, supporting coil selection and dehumidification checks. Reporting in BTU/h and refrigeration tons helps align with common HVAC schedules.

4) Shaft power and exhaust considerations

Some motors drive loads outside the conditioned space. When shaft power leaves the room, only motor losses become heat inside. Similarly, if heat is captured or exhausted, the heat‑to‑space fraction should be reduced. These two controls allow more realistic modelling for fans, conveyors, pumps, and outdoor-driven machinery.

5) Using results for HVAC selection and documentation

Use the calculated peak heat as an internal gain input for your cooling load summary, then add envelope, people, ventilation, and solar loads as applicable. Keep assumptions visible: hours/day, diversity, and heat fractions should match method statements. Export the CSV or PDF to attach to submittals, RFIs, or commissioning records for temporary and permanent systems.

FAQs

1) What is a typical diversity factor for handheld tools?

For shared handheld tools, 0.4–0.7 is common because crews rarely operate every tool simultaneously. Use higher values when tasks are continuous or tools are dedicated to each worker.

2) Should I set heat to space to 100% for lighting?

Yes in most indoor cases. Nearly all lighting energy becomes heat within the space. Reduce the value only if fixtures are outside the conditioned area or significant heat is vented away.

3) How do I choose efficiency for motors without data?

Use 85–92% for many small and medium motors. Older or heavily loaded equipment may be lower. When unsure, use a conservative lower efficiency to avoid underestimating electrical input.

4) When does shaft power leave the space apply?

Select “Yes” when a motor is inside but drives an external load through a shaft or belt, such as outdoor pumps or fans. The tool then counts mainly the motor losses as room heat.

5) Why is there an hours/day input if this is a heat calculator?

Hours/day supports an energy estimate in kWh/day for planning generators and temporary power. Peak heat is still calculated from coincident factors like load and diversity.

6) Can I model gas-fired or diesel equipment?

This calculator is best for electrically rated power. For fuel-fired equipment, convert fuel input to kW and apply a realistic heat-to-space fraction. Add ventilation impacts separately for safety and exhaust control.

7) Is the refrigeration ton result sufficient for unit selection?

It is a strong internal-gain component, but not the whole load. Add envelope, people, ventilation, and solar gains, then apply appropriate safety margins and equipment derating for site conditions.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.