CHP Total Efficiency Calculator
Enter net useful electricity, net useful heat, and fuel energy input using the same energy unit and heating-value basis.
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH
How to use this tool
- Choose whether fuel input is stated on an HHV or LHV basis.
- Enter net useful electric output, net useful thermal output, and fuel energy input using the same energy unit.
- Calculate the arithmetic total-efficiency ratio as a percentage.
Formula and basis
Total efficiency (%) = (net useful electric output + net useful thermal output) ÷ fuel energy input × 100. All energy quantities must use the same unit. State whether fuel input uses the higher heating value (HHV) or lower heating value (LHV) basis.
Scope
This is an arithmetic ratio from user-provided values. It does not verify measurements or represent a guaranteed performance value for any CHP unit.
Reference
U.S. EPA CHP methods for calculating efficiency: https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/chp/methods-calculating-efficiency_.html
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions
Can I mix HHV and LHV values?
No. Use one stated heating-value basis for the fuel input and keep all energy quantities in the same energy unit.