Boiler efficiency is defined as what?

Boiler efficiency is defined as the ratio of heat absorbed by water versus heat available in the fuel. This measure indicates how effectively a boiler converts the energy stored in fuel into usable thermal energy in the form of steam or hot water. By assessing this ratio, it becomes possible to determine how much of the fuel's energy is actually utilized for heating purposes, rather than being wasted in the process.

This definition highlights the importance of both the energy content of the fuel and the heat transfer characteristics of the boiler. A high boiler efficiency means that most of the energy from the fuel contributes to generating steam or hot water, which is a critical aspect in evaluating a boiler's performance and economic operation.

On the other hand, the other options represent different aspects of boiler operation but do not accurately capture the concept of efficiency. The total heat generated refers to the raw energy output and not its effectiveness compared to fuel input. The amount of steam produced per hour provides a measure of output rather than efficiency. Lastly, the amount of fuel consumed per hour indicates fuel usage but does not evaluate how much of that fuel's energy is converted into useful heat. Therefore, understanding boiler efficiency in the context of the heat absorbed versus fuel energy available is essential for optimizing boiler performance.