Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam

What formula is used to determine boiler efficiency?

1. O / I

2. I / O

3. O * I

4. O - I

The correct answer is: O / I

Boiler efficiency is primarily determined by comparing the output to the input. The correct formula, O / I, implies that the efficiency is calculated by dividing the energy output of the boiler (O) by the energy input (I). This ratio provides a direct measure of how effectively the boiler converts the energy supplied into usable energy. Understanding this concept is crucial for evaluating the performance of a boiler. A higher efficiency indicates that the boiler is better at utilizing the energy it consumes, resulting in lower fuel costs and reduced environmental impact due to less waste energy. Other formulas provided do not provide the correct measure of efficiency. For instance, I / O would give an inverse ratio that does not represent efficiency as it measures how much input is required for each unit of output. Meanwhile, O * I and O - I do not apply to efficiency calculations, as they do not compare the two energy quantities proportionately in ways that can indicate efficiency performance.