Power density

Power density
SI unit W/m3
In SI base units kg·m−1s−3
Derivations from
other quantities
P/V

Power density (or volume power density or volume specific power) is the amount of power (time rate of energy transfer) per unit volume.

In energy transformers including batteries, fuel cells, motors, etc., and also power supply units or similar, power density refers to a volume. It is then also called volume power density, which is expressed as W/m3.

Volume power density is sometimes an important consideration where space is constrained.

In reciprocating internal combustion engines, power density—power per swept volume or brake horsepower per cubic centimeter —is an important metric. This is based on the internal capacity of the engine, not its external size.

Power densities of common materials

Storage materialEnergy typeSpecific power (W/kg)Power density (W/m3)
Hydrogen (in star)Stellar fusion0.00184276.5
PlutoniumAlpha decay1.9438,360

See also

References

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