What is the Difference Between Net Calorific Value and Gross Calorific Value?

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The difference between net calorific value (NCV) and gross calorific value (GCV) lies in the physical state of water after the combustion reaction and the energy consumed during the process. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Gross Calorific Value (GCV): It is the amount of heat released by the complete combustion of a unit of fuel, including the energy consumed during the process of water vaporization. GCV is also known as Higher Heating Value (HCV).
  • Net Calorific Value (NCV): It is the amount of heat released by the complete combustion of a unit of fuel, excluding the energy consumed during the process of water vaporization. NCV is also known as Lower Heating Value (LHV) or Lower Calorific Value (LCV).

In summary, the main difference between net calorific value and gross calorific value is that NCV accounts for the energy lost during the vaporization process, while GCV includes the energy consumed during the vaporization process. Natural gas prices are decided on the basis of GCV and NCV.

Comparative Table: Net Calorific Value vs Gross Calorific Value

The difference between net calorific value and gross calorific value lies in how they account for the heat of vaporization of water during combustion. Here is a summary of their differences:

Parameter Net Calorific Value (NCV) Gross Calorific Value (GCV)
Also known as Lower Heating Value (LHV) Higher Heating Value (HCV)
Definition The amount of heat produced during combustion, excluding the heat of vaporization of water The amount of heat produced during combustion, including the heat of vaporization of water
Calcution NCV = GCV - Condensation heat GCV = NCV + Condensation heat
Energy Content Represents the energy content of a fuel considering that the heat of vaporization of water is not recovered as useful energy Represents the energy content of a fuel considering that the heat of vaporization of water is recovered as useful energy

Net calorific value (NCV) assumes that the heat of vaporization of water is not recovered as useful energy during combustion, while gross calorific value (GCV) assumes that the heat of vaporization of water is recovered as useful energy during combustion. NCV is also known as lower heating value (LHV), and GCV is also known as higher heating value (HCV). The gross calorific value is always higher than the net calorific value.