Cost Comparison
1 Bushel of Grain is Equivalent to:
- 20.8 LITRES OF PROPANE
- 13.6 LITRES OF FUEL OIL
- 148 KILOWATT HOURS OF ELECTRICITY
- 15.9 CUBIC METERS OF NATURAL GAS
Experience the Benefits
- All heat output is measured in terms of BTU’s. One BTU is the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
- The last column of the chart below demonstrates effective cost and is most significant as it incorporates the cost of heat available from each source of fuel with the appliance efficiency.
- Grain fuel usage will vary according to individual needs during the heating season with consideration for grain quality, building insulation, location, and comfort levels.
Energy Price Vs. Energy Yield *
Grain Energy Source |
Energy Source |
$Cost/
Unit
1 |
$Cost/lb |
Energy
Content (Btu/lb) |
Appliance
Efficiency % 2 |
$Cost/
Million Btu |
Peas |
4.5/bu |
0.0750 |
7993 |
90 |
10.43 |
Rye |
3.4/bu |
0.0654 |
7245 |
90 |
10.03 |
Triticale |
3.4/bu |
0.0654 |
7852 |
90 |
9.25 |
Wheat |
4.75/bu |
0.0848 |
7894 |
90 |
11.94 |
Corn |
4.82/bu |
0.08621 |
7690 |
90 |
12.45 |
Other Energy Sources |
Energy Source |
$Cost/
Unit 1 |
Energy
Content |
Appliance
Efficiency % 3 |
$Cost/
Million Btu |
Propane |
0.477/litre |
18952 Btu/litre |
85 |
29.61 |
Electricity |
0.103/
kwh |
3414/Kwh |
100 |
30.16 |
Natural Gas |
0.4436/m3 |
35375 Btu/m3 |
85 |
14.75 |
Wood
Pellets |
0.3/kg |
8882 Btu/lb |
90 |
17.02 |
Heater Fuel |
0.83/litre |
36681 Btu/litre |
85 |
26.62 |
Wood |
200/cord |
16,464,000 Btu/cord |
60 |
20.24 |
1 Unit costs of different energy sources may vary due to market conditions.
2 Efficiency is an estimated maximum
3 These are typical efficiencies. Actual efficiencies can vary.
* The above data was developed by the following professionals at the University of Saskatchewan Department of Agricultural & Bioresource Engineering, for Prairie Fire Grain Energy Inc.™
Professor Oon-Doo Baik, Dr. Satya Panigrahi, Dr. Kamal Barghout, Mr. Bill Crerar, and Dr. Shahram Emami. This information is not to be duplicated or used in any manner without previous written permission. Prairie Fire Grain Energy Inc.™ is not responsible for any inaccuracies that may exist. Please note that this information is for comparative purposes only and reflects research data from October, 2007.
Acknowledgements to The Minsistry of Agriculture, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.
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