The Concept of Fuel Equivalent FE

Therefore, we can come to agree that energy intensity is a more general concept for measuring of process energy efficiency indirectly. 

The above discussions lead us to define the process energy intensity on the feed basis as 

There is an issue yet to be resolved for the energy intensity defined in equation (2.3). The energy use ( ) for a process consists of fuel, steam, and electricity. They are not additive because they are different in energy forms and quality. However, if these energy forms can be traced back to fuel fired at the source of generation, which is the 

In general, FE can be defined as the amount of fuel fired (2tuei) at the source to make a certain amount of energy utility (G,)  

In most cases, Qf ei is calculated based on the lower heating value of fuel. G,- is quantified in different units according to specifications in the marketplace, namely, Btu/h for fuel, Ib/h for steam, and kWh for power. Thus, specific FE factors can be developed as follows based on this general definition of fuel equivalent. Energy are required for making boiler feed water (BFW), condensate and cooling water. The FE factors for these utilities will be discussed in Chapter 3. 

---

Both enthalpy and work-based steam pricing methods rely on thermodynamic laws as the basis. Cooper (1989) argued that the steam pricing should reflect economic reality. Since the operating cost for a steam system mainly consists of fuel burned for steam generation. Cooper (1989) proposed to use the concept of fuel equivalent (FE) as the basis for steam pricing. In this method, the ratio of FE for steam at different pressures is used to derive the steam prices in placement of the ratios of enthalpy and availability. 

---