KW Meaning: Definition and Examples
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kW
[kiː ˈdʌbljuː ˈdʌbljuː ˈel. ]
Definition
unit of power
kW stands for kilowatt, which is a unit of power equal to one thousand watts. It is commonly used to measure the output of engines and the power consumption of electrical devices. The term is derived from the prefix 'kilo-', meaning thousand, and 'watt', which is a unit of power named after James Watt, a Scottish inventor.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- This generator produces 5 kW of electrical power.
- The solar panels generate an average of 3.5 kW.
- Our house requires about 10 kW of power to operate.
Interesting Facts
Science
- One kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts, which can power ten 100-watt light bulbs at the same time.
- In terms of solar energy, a standard residential solar panel produces about 300 watts, meaning about 3.3 panels are needed to produce 1 kW.
Technology
- Electric cars often list their power in kW, allowing consumers to understand how much energy the car consumes and its efficiency.
- In computing, data centers manage their power usage closely in kW to ensure efficient operation and cooling.
Pop Culture
- The rise of electric vehicles in movies and media highlights how kW ratings influence the performance and speed of these cars.
- Television shows about home improvement often discuss kW to explain energy bills and how to make homes more efficient.
Environmental Impact
- Understanding kW helps consumers make choices about renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which can contribute to reducing carbon footprints.
- Governments often promote energy efficiency standards in kW to curb energy waste and promote sustainability.
Origin of 'kW'
Main points about word origin
- The 'k' in kW stands for 'kilo', which means one thousand in Greek, while 'W' stands for 'watts', named after the inventor James Watt.
- The term was introduced in the late 19th century as electrical engineering developed, making it easier to quantify electrical power.
The term 'kilowatt' originates from the prefix 'kilo-', which is derived from the Greek word 'chilioi', meaning 'thousand'. The watt is named after James Watt, an 18th-century Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer who was pivotal in the development of the steam engine. The combination of these two terms signifies a measure of power that is convenient for large quantities, such as those used in electrical engineering and various appliances. First adopted in the early 1900s, the kilowatt became widely used in the energy sector to represent electrical power, as it provided a clearer understanding of how much power devices consumed or generated.