The concept of measurement of calorific value of gaseous fuels

Abstract

The issue of measuring and determining the calorific value of fuels is related to thermodynamic analysis of the effects of the combustion process aimed at determining the amount of heat transferred to the environment. Currently, there are several methods for determining the calorific value of fuels and their methodology is related to the type of fuel being analyzed. These methods are quite complicated and require the use of specialized measuring equipment. The energy demand of modern civilization along with the need to protect the natural environment prompts the search for new ways to generate energy directed at sources other than conventional fossil fuels. Technologies related to the use of biogas, synthesis gas obtained in biomass or waste gasification processes are being introduced. The use of these fuels in industrial processes of generating heat and electricity requires caloric stability of the fuel. The caloric stability of the fuel is necessary to ensure the stability of thermal energy conversion processes that translate directly into the set values of generated electricity using electric machines. One way to assess the energy quality of a fuel is to measure its calorific value. There are several methods for determining the calorific value of a fuel, but they all require special measurement conditions. The article presents the author’s concept of a calorimeter dedicated to the analysis of the calorific value of gaseous fuels.