Energy content of fuel:
The heat energy released when a fixed amount of a particular fuel is burned (kilogram, liter, etc.) is termed the specific energy content of that fuel. The chart below gives the energy content of some common fuels.
Fuel type |
MJ/L |
BTU/Imp gal |
BTU/US gal |
Petrol |
34.83 |
150,100 |
125,000 |
Ethanol |
23.5 |
101,600 |
84,600 |
Methanol |
17.9 |
77,600 |
64,600 |
Gasohol (Mixture of ethanol and gasoline) |
33.7 |
145,200 |
120,900 |
Diesel |
38.60 |
166,600 |
138,700 |
Biodiesel |
35.10 |
151,600 |
126,200 |
Vegetable oil |
34.32 |
147,894 |
123,143 |
Aviation gasoline |
33.5 |
144,400 |
120,200 |
Naphta |
35.5 |
153,100 |
127,500 |
Kerosene |
37.60 |
162,100 |
135,000 |
Liquefied natural gas |
25.3 |
109,000 |
90,800 |
Liquid hydrogen |
9.36 |
40467 |
33696 |
A BTU is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is approximately the energy produced by burning one wooden match and is roughly equal to 1000 joules or 250 calories.
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