The SI unit of thermal resistance is kelvins per watt (K/W).
Thermal resistance is a measure of a material's ability to resist the flow of heat. It is a crucial property in various engineering and physics applications, indicating how effectively a material or object impedes heat transfer. A higher thermal resistance value means less heat will flow for a given temperature difference.
Understanding the SI Unit
As stated by Thermal conductance and resistance - Wikipedia, the SI unit for absolute thermal resistance is kelvins per watt (K/W).
It is important to note that degrees Celsius per watt (°C/W) is an equivalent unit and is also commonly used. This equivalence arises because the intervals for both Kelvin and Celsius scales are identical: ΔT = 1 K = 1 °C. Therefore, a temperature difference of one Kelvin is precisely the same as a temperature difference of one degree Celsius, making the units interchangeable for thermal resistance calculations.
Thermal Resistance Units
The following table summarizes the primary units for thermal resistance:
| Unit Type | Unit Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SI Unit | K/W | Kelvins per watt (standard international unit) |
| Equivalent | °C/W | Degrees Celsius per watt (commonly used alternative) |
Understanding these units is fundamental for professionals working in fields such as HVAC, electronics cooling, and building insulation, where managing heat transfer is critical for performance and safety.
