What Is Specific Fuel Consumption And How Fuel Calculate

"Specific fuel consumption" (SFC) is a measure of the amount of fuel consumed by an engine to produce a unit of power output, typically expressed in units such as kilograms per kilowatt-hour (kg/kWh) or pounds per horsepower-hour (lb/hp-hr). It quantifies the efficiency of an engine in converting fuel into useful work output.

Specific fuel consumption depends on various factors, including the type of engine, its design and operating conditions, fuel properties, and the power output level. In general, lower specific fuel consumption values indicate higher efficiency, as less fuel is required to produce a given amount of power.

The calculation of specific fuel consumption involves measuring the amount of fuel consumed by the engine over a specified period of time and dividing it by the corresponding power output generated during that time. The formula for calculating specific fuel consumption is:

SFC=Fuel ConsumptionPower OutputSFC=Power OutputFuel Consumption?

Where:

• SFC is the specific fuel consumption (e.g., kg/kWh or lb/hp-hr),
• Fuel Consumption is the amount of fuel consumed by the engine (e.g., in liters or gallons),
• Power Output is the power produced by the engine (e.g., in kilowatts or horsepower).

Specific fuel consumption can be determined experimentally by conducting tests on the engine under controlled conditions, where fuel flow rates and power output are accurately measured. Alternatively, manufacturers may provide specific fuel consumption data based on standardized test procedures or theoretical calculations.

Lower specific fuel consumption values are desirable in most applications, as they indicate higher efficiency and lower operating costs associated with fuel consumption. Engineers and designers often strive to optimize engine performance and efficiency to minimize specific fuel consumption while meeting the required power output and operational requirements.