Characteristics of an Ideal Fuel

1. It should have a high calorific value. In simple terms, an ideal fuel is that which gives us more heat per unit weight.

2. It should burn without giving out any harmful gases, i.e., an ideal is that which does not pollute air on burning by giving out gases.

3. It should have a proper ignition temperature, so that it can be burned easily. The ignition temperature of an ideal fuel should neither be too low nor too high. If the ignition temperature of the fuel is very low, then the fuel will catch fire too easily and hence it will be very unsafe to use it. On the other hand, if the ignition temperature is too high, then it will be very difficult to light the fuel.

4. It should not be more valuable for some other purpose than a fuel. That is, an ideal fuel should not have a more important use than being burnt to obtain heat.

5. It should be cheap and easily available. That is, an ideal fuel is that which is not expensive and which is available in plenty everywhere.

6. It should be easy to handle, safe to transport, and convenient to store. That is, an ideal fuel is that which does not create any safety risks during handling, during its transportation from one place to another or during its storage.

7. It should not leave much ash behind after burning. An ideal fuel should have low percentage of non-volatile materials which do not burn, so that it may burn completely without leaving much ash.

8. It should burn smoothly. An ideal fuel should have a moderate rate of combustion, and burn at a steady rate. In other words, the fuel should not burn either too fast or too slow.