1. What is Brake Specific Fuel Consumption?

BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption) is a measure of the fuel efficiency of any engine that burns fuel and produces rotational power output. It is the rate of fuel consumption divided by the power produced.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BSFC equation:

Where:

• \( Fuel_{lb} \) — Fuel consumption in pounds (lb)
• \( HP \) — Engine power in horsepower (hp)
• \( Time_h \) — Time in hours (h)

Explanation: The equation calculates how much fuel is consumed per unit of power produced over a given time period.

3. Importance of BSFC Calculation

Details: BSFC is crucial for evaluating engine efficiency, comparing different engines, and optimizing fuel consumption in various operating conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fuel consumption in pounds, engine power in horsepower, and time in hours. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good BSFC value?
A: Lower BSFC values indicate better efficiency. Modern diesel engines typically range from 0.35-0.45 lb/hp h at peak efficiency.

Q2: How does BSFC vary with engine load?
A: BSFC is usually lowest at around 75-85% of maximum load and increases at both lower and higher loads.

Q3: Can I use different units for this calculation?
A: Yes, but all units must be consistent. Common alternatives include g/kWh or kg/kWh.

Q4: Why is it called "brake" specific fuel consumption?
A: The term "brake" comes from the dynamometer brake used to measure engine output power.

Q5: How does BSFC relate to thermal efficiency?
A: BSFC is inversely proportional to thermal efficiency. Lower BSFC means higher thermal efficiency.