Is there a method to equate energy output between oil/gas, electricity (current methods), and natural gas to alternative fuels e.g. solar, ethanol, biodiesel eg What unit of hyrogen produces the same energy as a litre of gas?
Originally posted 2009-04-15 20:15:20.
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Let’s say for your question, the unit is a gallon. Then the energy output is about the same if it is used in a combustion engine. Not all energy forms can be measured in the same units, since electricity is so different than combustable fuels. Perhaps the way to measure would be how far that same engine can run at the same speed using different types of energy. Also it takes energy to make energy, electricity from hydro, coal, and many other forms of input. Should consider the energy consumed also.
Burnable fuels, nuclear, and solar heat are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).
Electricity, wind, etc have a disconnect that is troublesome. Electricity is often compared on its ability to be generated. In other words if we generate electricity to run a motor, instead of running the motor directly, how efficient is it? But this is a comparison of the efficiency of the generation and use, not the electricity itself.