Gross calorific value
The term ‘calorific value’ (CV) is a measure of heating power, and refers to the amount of energy released when a fuel is completely combusted under specific conditions. For solid and liquid fuels this is measured at constant volume and for gaseous fuels it is measured at constant pressure.
Calorific vales for a range of fuels are published by the UK government.
Typically, calorific vales are expressed in Megajoules per cubic metre (MJ/m3) for solid and liquid fuels or Megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg) for gaseous fuels.
Calorific value can be expressed as a Net Calorific Value (NCV, or Lower Heating Value), or a Gross Calorific Value (GCV, a Higher Heating Value):
- The Net Calorific Value considers that the combustion products contain water of combustion to the vapour state, and so the heat energy in the water is not recovered.
- The Gross Calorific Value considers that the water of combustion is condensed, and so the heat energy in the water is recovered.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
BRE partner with Global GreenTag to develop an Ethical Labour Sourcing Standard for Australia.
The Chartered Quality Institute explain the pathway to success for organisations implementing management systems.
An introductory article looking at where a duty of care can arise in the construction industry.
House of Lords committee encourages the use of off-site manufacturing in new report.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can go some way to show the impact of new buildings on their surroundings.
The shortlist for the 2018 prize for the UK's best new building is revealed.
Amendment to Bill aims to provide councils with greater powers to increase tax premiums on empty homes.
As the latest summer blockbuster 'Skyscraper' is released, we look at some of the best uses of buildings in film.
Read our introductory article on how to layout a building.
New cross-party report calls for combustible cladding ban to be extended to all high-rise residential buildings.