Watt-hour (Wh) – Measuring Energy Consumption Over Time

Thewatt-hour (Wh)is a unit of energy that represents the amount of work done when one watt of power is used for one hour. It is commonly used to express electrical energy consumption.

History & Background

Watt-hours gained prominence with the widespread use of electrical power in the 20th century. They provide an intuitive way to understand energy usage, making them essential for both consumers and utility companies.

Conversion Factors

• 1 Wh = 3600 J
• 1 kWh = 3,600,000 J

Applications

Watt-hours are primarily used to bill residential and commercial electricity consumption and to evaluate the energy efficiency of appliances.

Interesting Facts

The energy consumption of households is often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), providing a direct link between electrical usage and cost.

Conclusion

The watt-hour is a practical unit that translates abstract electrical energy into a measure that is both understandable and actionable for energy management.