Apples, Oranges and Btu
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Last Updated: August 2008
Next Update: To Be Determined What Is a Btu? British thermal unit (Btu): The Btu is a precise measure of the heat content of fuels. It is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of liquid water by 1o Fahrenheit at the temperature that water has its greatest density (approximately 39o Fahrenheit). Why Do We Use Btu? To make meaningful comparisons of different energy sources, you must convert physical units of measure (such as weight or volume) into a common unit of measurement based on the energy content of each fuel. One practical way to compare different fuels is to convert them into British thermal units (Btu). Examples of Btu Conversion Factors Btu conversion factors: Some Btu conversion factors for delivered energy are as follows:
Putting Btu In Perspective How can you compare home heating fuel prices? You must compare the cost per heating value (Btu) of each fuel. EIA has a calculator that makes that comparison easier to compare the cost per heating value of home heating fuels. See the answer to that frequently-asked question and a link to a useful calculator at: How do I compare heating fuels? Another example is for industrial use. Pretend that you have been assigned the responsibility of purchasing fuel for a large electric utility company. Which fuel would you choose to generate electricity—coal, oil, or natural gas? In 2006, average prices of fuel delivered to electric power plants were $34.09 per short ton of coal, $37.66 per 42-gallon barrel of oil, and $7.11 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas. Tons of coal, barrels of oil, cubic feet of natural gas -- how do you compare apples and oranges?
Btu Quick Facts
More information on this subject can be found in the following EIA publications:
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