Energy usage calculations for electric and direct-fire

[ManSkirtBrew]

I'm trying to compare the operation cost of an electric vs. a direct-fire 7bbl brewhouse. What I'm trying to figure out is how much energy would be used--I'm estimating average 4 hours of the heating elements being on at full blast (figuring heating water in the HLT for strike and sparge, then boiling), but I don't know if that's over- or under-estimating.

For electric using that 4-hour assumption, a 45kW system, and $0.21/kWh (based on my last power bill), it'd cost $37.80 for one batch.

For gas, using the 1.5 therm/BBL average energy use from the BA, $1.10 / therm, and 7BBL, it'd cost $11.55 for one batch.

That is a much larger discrepancy than I'd expect. Anyone have real-world experience here? Are my assumptions way off?

[a10t2]

My one thought is that the BA's average probably contains mostly steam systems (especially if that's on a per-volume basis). Multiply by three, give or take, to account for the heat transfer efficiency of a direct-fire kettle.

[Crosley]

I am only on a 3bbl system but my average utility bill (just for brewing, as my electric panel is on a separate service) is around $60. This is based on 5-6 brews per month.


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[kasbrew]

I'm trying to compare the operation cost of an electric vs. a direct-fire 7bbl brewhouse. What I'm trying to figure out is how much energy would be used--I'm estimating average 4 hours of the heating elements being on at full blast (figuring heating water in the HLT for strike and sparge, then boiling), but I don't know if that's over- or under-estimating.

For electric using that 4-hour assumption, a 45kW system, and $0.21/kWh (based on my last power bill), it'd cost $37.80 for one batch.

For gas, using the 1.5 therm/BBL average energy use from the BA, $1.10 / therm, and 7BBL, it'd cost $11.55 for one batch.

That is a much larger discrepancy than I'd expect. Anyone have real-world experience here? Are my assumptions way off?

don't forget to calculate for 3 phase power (usually much cheaper, and if available in your brewery location) and also make sure to check for any additional taxes that may apply for your natural gas.

these are a couple of the things I ran into for weighing the difference on the the exact same set up in Washington state. It turned out that there was a bit of a tax on the natural gas and the building I am looking at using has 3 phase available which reduces your electric bill considerably.

[HR3]

Usage

I have a 1BBl right now that is 12KW per kettle and total of 30KW if all elements were running at the same time. We calculate based on 6 hours and our local energy costs are higher and we have seen about 18 bucks a brew session. You would be looking about 30 bucks per session if you are doing 4 hours and maybe 40 at 6 hours. I can tell you after talking to some of our local brewery friends they are paying a fortune in NG as its not nearly as efficient. Between Elec and gas up to 7BBL I would stay elec, over that Steam and least of all choices would be NG.

[ManSkirtBrew]

Thanks for the responses. It's great to hear from some folks who actually use electric systems. I've been getting a lot of negative information from brewers who have never used electric, so it's good to hear from actual users.

The point about the BA's gas estimate being for steam is a good one. It'd be nice to see the real source of their data.

I am leaning strongly towards electric in my brewery, for many reasons besides cost. I'm just trying to do all of my due diligence here.

Cheers!