Heat Rate Efficiency Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the heat input in BTU/hour in the first field.
2. Enter the work output in BTU/hour in the second field.
3. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the heat rate and efficiency.
4. Click "Reset" to clear all inputs and results.

Understanding Heat Rate Efficiency

Heat rate efficiency is a measure of how effectively a heat engine converts heat energy into work. It is commonly expressed in BTU per mile or BTU per kilowatt-hour.

The formula used in this calculator is:

Efficiency (%) = (Work Output / Heat Input) * 100%

A higher efficiency means more work is being produced for the same amount of heat input, resulting in a lower heat rate. For example, a heat rate of 10,000 BTU/mile is more efficient than a heat rate of 15,000 BTU/mile.

Applications

This calculator is useful for:

• Power plant engineers evaluating generator efficiency
• Manufacturers assessing thermal system performance
• Students learning thermodynamics principles
• Energy analysts comparing different heat engine technologies

Note: This calculator assumes steady-state operation and does not account for losses due to friction, heat dissipation, or other inefficiencies.