How is boiler efficiency generally expressed?

Boiler efficiency is typically expressed as a percentage of the energy input that is converted into useful energy output. This metric provides a clear indication of how effectively a boiler is transforming fuel energy into usable energy, which is crucial for evaluating performance and optimizing operation.

When calculating boiler efficiency, the actual useful work or heat produced by the boiler is compared to the energy content of the fuel consumed. By expressing this relationship as a percentage, operators can easily understand how much of the input energy is effectively being utilized versus what is lost in various forms, such as exhaust heat, unburned fuel, or radiative losses.

This perspective helps in defining how well the boiler is functioning and highlights opportunities for improvement, such as reducing fuel costs and minimizing environmental impact. Other methods of measuring efficiency, such as relating it to gas consumption or steam production rates, do not directly address the energy conversion aspect central to the definition of efficiency in this context.