See also: Analysis View, Transformation Analysis, Storage
Process efficiency data can be specified in three different ways: as a percentage efficiency, as a heat rate or as the percentage energy losses. You can set which method you want to use, by editing the module properties. For storage processes, efficiency indicates the ratio of energy generated to energy stored in the process.
The default method is to specify the percentage ratio of energy outputs (not including any co-product energy recovered) to feedstock energy inputs in each process. All efficiencies must be greater than zero. When entering efficiencies for processes, around 33% is typical for base-load steam generation. This also may be used as a nominal value for hydro-electric stations so that primary resource requirements for fossil fuels and hydro can be easily compared. Another common approach is to use a 100% efficiency for hydropower and renewable electricity generation systems. If you specifically enter imports as one of the process types, enter 100% for their efficiencies.
Efficiency data can also be specified as a heat rate (the rate of feedstock fuel required per unit of energy produced - efficiency data is often expressed in this form for electricity plants).
Efficiency can also be specified as the percentage of energy lost in a process. This approach can be useful for specifying transmission and distribution systems.