Energy conversion efficiency

Energy conversion efficiency is the ratio between the useful output of an energy conversion machine and the input, in energy terms. The useful output may be electric power, mechanical work, or heat. Energy conversion efficiency is not defined uniquely, but instead depends on the usefulness of the output. All or part of the heat produced from burning a fuel may become rejected waste heat if, for example, work is the desired output from a thermodynamic cycle.

$$

eta = frac{P_mathrm{out}}{P_mathrm{in}}

Even though the definition includes the notion of usefulness, efficiency is considered a technical or physical term. Goal or mission oriented terms include effectiveness and efficacy.

Generally, energy conversion efficiency is a dimensionless number between 0 and 1.0, or 0 to 100%. Efficiencies may not exceed 100%, e.g., for a perpetual motion machine. However, other effectiveness measures that can exceed 1.0 are used for heat pumps and other devices that move heat rather than convert it.

Related, more specific terms include

• Electrical efficiency, useful power output per electrical power consumed;
• Mechanical efficiency, where one form of mechanical energy (e.g. potential energy of water) is converted to mechanical energy (work);
• Thermal efficiency or Fuel efficiency, useful heat and/or work output per input energy such as the fuel consumed;
• 'Total efficiency', e.g., for cogeneration, useful electric power and heat output per fuel energy consumed. Same as the thermal efficiency.

Fuel heating values and efficiency

In Europe the usable energy content of fuel is typically calculated using the lower heating value (LHV) of that fuel, i.e. the heat obtained by fuel combustion (oxidation), measured so that the water vapor produced remains gaseous, and is not condensed to liquid water. Using the LHV, a condensing boiler can achieve a "heating efficiency" in excess of 100% which violates the first law of thermodynamics. This is because the apparatus recovers part of the heat of vaporization, which is not included in the definition of the lower heating value of fuel. In the U.S. and elsewhere, the higher heating value (HHV) is used, which includes the latent heat for condensing the water vapor, and thus the thermodynamic maximum of 100% efficiency cannot be exceeded with HHV's use.

Example of energy conversion efficiency

	Energy efficiency
Combustion engine	10-50%
Gas turbine	up to 40%
Gas + Steam turbine cooperation	up to 60%
Water Turbine	up to 90% (practicaly achieved)
Wind Turbine	up to 59% (theoretical limit)
firearm	~30% (.300 Hawk ammunition)
Fuel Cell	up to 80%
Water Electrolysis	50%-70% (80%-94% theoretical maximum)
Photosynthesis	up to 6%
Muscle	14% - 27%
Electric motors	30-60% (small ones < 10W); 50-90 (middle ones between 10-200W); 70-99.99% above 200W
Household refrigerators	low end systems ~ 20%; high end systems ~ 40-50%
Incandescent bulbs	5-10%
Electric shower	90-95% (but here it's kind of a waste; you are using noble electric energy to produce heat. The best case would be to use a heat pump, then you would consume far less electric energy)

See also

• Energy efficiency
• Figure of merit
• EROEI
• Exergy efficiency
• Figure of merit
• Fuel efficiency
• International Electrotechnical Commission
• Sensitivity (electronics)
• Thermal efficiency

External links

• The Intelligent Energy - Europe programme: the EU's tool for funding action towards a more energy intelligent Europe