Black Coal vs. Brown Coal: A Comparative Analysis of Energy Efficiency in Electricity Generation

The provided diagram illustrates the energy consumption and transmission differences between black coal and brown coal used for electricity generation. The analysis is based on 100 units of energy input for each coal type.

Upon collection, both black and brown coals are converted into energy, with 100 units of each entering a power station. However, black coal loses 68 units during electricity generation, while brown coal loses 72 units. This leaves 32 units of energy from black coal and 27 units from brown coal.

Subsequently, both types undergo transmission and distribution to reach consumers, each consuming 3 units in the process. Ultimately, consumers receive 29 units of energy from black coal and 24 units from brown coal.

This comparison reveals that for every 100 units of energy input, black coal yields 5 more units of usable energy for consumers than brown coal. Therefore, in this specific scenario, black coal emerges as the more efficient energy source for electricity generation.