Calculations of CO2 emission and combustion efficiency for various fuels

The specific CO2 production of fuels has commonly been expressed empirically in terms of kgCO2 (kWh)−1. No specifications regarding combustion conditions, transformation technology used, and efficiency are usually presented in detail. In this paper, however, we propose replacing this approach by the use of rigorous chemical engineering calculations based on the composition and the combustion conditions of the fuels. The MS EXCEL program, which is provided as supplementary material to this paper, calculates the specific CO2 production considering energy losses, adiabatic flame temperature, calorific value and heat of fuel combustion, flue gas temperature, energy losses through flue gas, slag, and the overall energy efficiency of the whole energy conversion process. Results are presented for three fuel groups: coal, hydrocarbons, and renewable fuels. The calculated results are compared with the literature data. A benefit of our approach is that the procedure can be generalized for any fuel of known composition and for different types of combustion-based energy transformation. •Techno-economic energy strategies require accurate knowledge of CO2 emissions.•The attached chemical engineering program in EXCEL provides the necessary data.•Fuel type and combustion conditions affect CO2 emission per kWh.•The overall efficiency of various energy production processes was calculated.•The estimated and observed overall efficiencies are in good agreement.