An Updated Analysis of Fuel Consumption: Steam and Diesel

Each element of the total fuel consumption of typical steam plants is presented, starting with the turbine propulsion cycle performance, then building up to the standard all-purpose fuel consumption rate normally reported. The method of presentation illustrates the contribution of each element to the whole, including consideration of transmission loss, boiler efficiency, fluid pumping power, electrical load, etc. Similarly, diesel plant performance is represented in as duplicate a format as possible, starting with the test-bed performance of the engine and then considering in-service fuel, lube oil, electrical load, etc. By presenting both plants in the manner described, from approximately 40 to 100 percent power, the point is made that the disparity between steam and diesel plant performance is less than normally assumed, and, in certain applications, nonexistent. As a corollary, the part-load performance of the two plants is shown to be remarkably similar. The paper is divided into four parts for ease of reference:summary and conclusions,steam plant,diesel plant, andcomparisons.