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Net Calorific Value Calculator

Net Calorific Value Formula:

\[ NCV = GCV - (m \times \lambda) \]

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1. What is Net Calorific Value?

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, minus the energy used to vaporize water in the combustion products.

Purpose: It provides a more accurate measurement of usable energy from fuel combustion since it accounts for energy lost to water vaporization.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ NCV = GCV - (m \times \lambda) \]

Where:

Explanation: The gross calorific value is reduced by the energy required to vaporize the water produced during combustion.

3. Importance of Net Calorific Value

Details: NCV is crucial for:

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between GCV and NCV?
A: GCV includes all energy released, while NCV subtracts energy lost to vaporizing water in combustion products.

Q2: Why is latent heat of vaporization important?
A: It represents significant energy that's not available for practical use as it's consumed in vaporizing water.

Q3: When would NCV be significantly lower than GCV?
A: For fuels with high hydrogen content (like methane) that produce more water vapor during combustion.

Q4: What's a typical latent heat value for water?
A: 2257 kJ/kg at 100°C, but it varies slightly with temperature (default value in calculator).

Q5: How do I find the weight of water vapor?
A: Calculate from the fuel's hydrogen content or measure directly from combustion products.

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