Net Calorific Value Formula:
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Definition: Net Calorific Value (NCV) is the specific amount of energy released as heat when a fuel undergoes complete combustion with oxygen under standard conditions, excluding the heat recovered from condensing water vapor in the combustion products.
Purpose: It provides a more practical measure of usable energy from fuel combustion since the latent heat of water vapor is typically not recovered in most applications.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the energy lost as latent heat when water vapor (produced from hydrogen combustion) condenses.
Details: NCV is crucial for accurate energy calculations in power plants, heating systems, and industrial processes where the latent heat of water vapor is not recovered.
Tips: Enter the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) in J/m³, percentage weight of hydrogen in the fuel, and latent heat of vaporization (default 2260 kJ/kg for water). All values must be ≥ 0.
Q1: Why is hydrogen percentage important in NCV calculation?
A: Hydrogen content determines how much water vapor is produced during combustion, which affects the latent heat loss.
Q2: What's a typical latent heat value for water?
A: The standard value is approximately 2260 kJ/kg at 100°C, but it varies slightly with temperature.
Q3: How does NCV differ from GCV?
A: GCV includes all heat released including latent heat from water vapor condensation, while NCV excludes this latent heat.
Q4: Where can I find GCV values for fuels?
A: GCV values are typically provided in fuel specifications or can be measured using bomb calorimeters.
Q5: Why multiply hydrogen percentage by 9?
A: Each kg of hydrogen produces 9 kg of water when burned (H₂ + ½O₂ → H₂O, considering molecular weights).