What does the term "thermal efficiency" refer to in the context of boilers?

Thermal efficiency refers to how effectively a boiler converts the energy contained in its fuel into useful energy, which is usually in the form of steam or hot water. This measure is expressed as a percentage, indicating the ratio of the useful energy output of the boiler to the energy input from the fuel. A higher thermal efficiency means that less fuel is necessary to produce a given amount of energy, which is crucial for both economic and environmental considerations.

In this context, measuring thermal efficiency provides vital information about the boiler’s performance and efficiency in utilizing the energy from fuel sources. Factors such as heat losses due to flue gases, radiation losses from boiler surfaces, and unburned fuel can all affect thermal efficiency. Understanding this concept is essential for optimizing boiler operations and ensuring cost-effective energy use.