It is essential to understand the need for boiler efficiency to decide whether or not you should purchase new boiler equipment. The type of boiler and its efficiency measures the connection of the energy input and output of a boiler system.
This ratio may be used to check the production of the boiler to determine the fuel coat of the invested boiler equipment. The significant portion of the investment goes to the ongoing fuel usage costs, which is usually taken from capital expenses.
Because of the expenses that a boiler can rack up, it is necessary to understand everything about boiler efficiency. Whether it be for a boiler you have bought or rented, you must determine which kind of boiler fits your needs.
The more efficient the boiler is, the less it would spend its fuel. By calculating the boiler efficiency, you will be able to determine the fuel costs and regulate the full-cycle cost of a boiler. Remember always to choose a boiler that is durable and can last for a long time.
It is essential to perform routine maintenance to improve your score of boiler efficiency. It can help to reduce fuel and maintenance costs caused by more prominent issues. To calculate boiler efficiency, divide the boiler energy output by the boiler energy inputs and then multiply it to 100.
Thermal efficiency is the measurement of the effectiveness of the boiler heat exchanger that transfers the heat from fireside to the waterside. Thermal efficiency does not account for the radiation and convection losses since it only measures how effective the heat exchanger is.
Fuel-to-steam efficiency will measure total boiler efficiency. If thermal efficiency does not explain the radiation, this type explains what the radiation and convection losses are. This efficiency is also used in economic evaluations.
Combustion efficiency indicates the ability of the boiler when it comes to burning fuel. The overall amount of unburned fuel and the excess air is used to analyze the boiler combustion efficiency.
However, this efficiency is affected by fuel type, gas velocity, and excess air levels. For it to reach an efficient level, the boiler should result in low levels of unburned fuels despite operating at little excess air. Combustion efficiency does not apply for all kinds of fuel as liquid fuels and gas burn more efficiently than solid fuels.
Learning about the importance of boiler efficiency can assist you to know the components that can affect the overall performance of the boiler system. Here are some of those components and their effects:
Flue gas temperature, also known as stack temperature, is the temperature of the combustion gasses that comes out of the boiler. If the temperature of the flue gas increases, it can become a reason why heat is lost. Flue gas economizers can be installed to bring back the heat and improve the efficiency of the boiler.
You cannot avoid radiation and convection losses. Based on the boiler factors, such as boiler type, size, and speed throughout the boiler, there are essential amounts in these losses. Each of these can have elements that affect radiation and convection losses. Adding insulation can be the best solution to minimize the loss.
Ambient air temperature is the temperature of the combustion air that enters the boiler, affecting its efficiency. Even a variety of 40 degrees Fahrenheit may affect the boiler efficiency and its overall operation.
Fuel specification can be an essential part of boiler efficiency. For gaseous fuel, if the hydrogen level is higher, the water increases during combustion that results in low efficiency. It can be a factor in why oil fire operates on a higher efficiency than natural gas.
The turndown is the capability of the boiler to have a wide range of results. When the boiler has a large turndown ratio, it can provide steam at low rates without the need to restart. A higher turndown will offer better efficiency improvements.
There are a lot of ways to increase boiler efficiency. Through the calculation of the boiler efficiency, you can determine what you need to do to improve the percentage. Spending money to increase the efficiency of your boiler might be making you hesitate. However, it is essential to remember that even a single percentage can save thousands of money in annual fuel costs.
Here are some ways to increase boilers efficiency:
When choosing a new boiler, select one that is highly efficient, but has a low maintenance cost. What you have to invest now for your company will surely pay off in the future. Learning more about the boiler’s efficiency can be the best place to start understanding the benefits it offers. When it comes to boiler efficiency, a few percentages can save a thousand dollars.