What is an Energy Flow Diagram & How to Create it?

Have you ever tried to visualize the intricate pathways of energy in a system? If you have, you’ll agree that it’s no walk in the park. Energy is a fundamental concept that drives our world, and understanding how it flows can be a game-changer in various fields, from energy policy formulation to optimizing industrial processes.

This is where energy flow diagrams come into play. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the fascinating world of energy flow diagrams, helping you unlock insights, discover their importance, and learn how to create and interpret them effectively.

Table of Contents:

1. What is an Energy Flow Diagram?
2. Key Components of Energy Flow Diagram
3. Why are Flow of Energy Diagrams Important?
4. What is the Use of a Diagram of Energy Flow?
5. Types of Energy Flow Chart
6. Energy Flow Diagram Examples
7. How to Draw an Energy Flow Diagram in Excel?
8. Applications of Energy Flow Diagrams
9. Advantages of Using Sankey Energy Flow Diagram
10. Best Practice for Creating an Energy Flow Graph
11. Energy Flow Diagram – FAQs
12. Wrap Up

What is an Energy Flow Diagram?

Definition: An energy flow diagram is a data presentation that maps out the movement and transformation of energy in a system. It’s like a roadmap that guides you through the complex journey of energy, from its source to its various uses and eventual losses.

These diagrams use arrows and lines to represent the flow of energy, with the width of the lines proportional to the quantity of energy being transferred or transformed. Think of it as a dynamic flowchart that vividly illustrates the energy pathways.

Why are Flow of Energy Diagrams Important?

Energy flow diagrams are vital tools in several domains, and their importance cannot be overstated. Here’s why they matter:

1. Clarity in Complexity: Energy systems can be incredibly intricate, involving multiple sources, transformations, and endpoints. An energy flow map simplifies this complexity, making it easier to grasp the big picture.
2. Policy Formulation: Governments and organizations use these diagrams to formulate energy policies. They provide a visual overview of how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed, aiding in decision-making for sustainable energy practices.
3. Process Optimization: Industries use an energy flow map to optimize their processes, identifying areas where energy efficiency can be improved, thus saving costs and reducing environmental impact.
4. Education and Communication: Energy flow diagrams are excellent educational tools. They help students and professionals alike understand energy systems and straightforwardly convey complex concepts.

What is the Use of a Diagram of Energy Flow?

A diagram of energy flow serves multiple purposes:

1. Visualization: They offer a clear visual representation of energy systems, making it easier to comprehend complex relationships.
2. Analysis: By studying the diagram, one can identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement in energy systems.
3. Communication: Energy flow diagrams are a universal language that allows experts and non-experts to communicate effectively about energy systems.

Types of Energy Flow Chart

1. Sankey Diagram: The most common type of energy flow chart. It uses arrows with widths proportional to energy quantity, showing how much energy is converted, used, or lost.
2. Linear Flow Chart: Shows energy movement in a simple, step-by-step sequence from source to final use. Best for explaining basic energy flow.
3. Circular Flow Diagram: Highlights how energy cycles within a system, often used to show renewable or closed-loop energy processes.
4. Comparative Flow Chart: Compares energy inputs and outputs across regions, sectors, or time periods to identify trends and efficiency changes.
5. Input-Output Flow Chart: Tracks how energy enters, transforms, and exits a process, helping pinpoint areas of waste or loss.

Energy Flow Diagram Examples

Let’s delve into some real-world energy flow diagram examples to see how they work:

Example #1

Explore the intricate landscape of energy distribution and consumption with this detailed dataset. Delving into various sources such as agricultural waste, other waste, marina algae, biomass import, nuclear reserves, and natural gas, the data provides insights into megawatt outputs and end-user consumption across different sectors.

Witness the dynamic interplay of bio-conversion and thermal generation processes, revealing the complex journey of energy from its origins to its diverse applications in industries, HVAC systems, and residential appliances.

Example #2

The energy flow chart, a condensed depiction of energy transfers, emphasizes the significance of line thickness representing energy magnitude. Examining the example chart, delineating domestic power use, three focal categories emerge: main source, rooms, and devices.

Swift analysis reveals the air conditioner, oven, and stove as predominant energy consumers in the devices category, while the kitchen stands out as the primary energy consumer among rooms.

This succinct overview unveils key contributors to energy consumption, aiding informed decisions for enhanced home energy efficiency.

How to Draw an Energy Flow Diagram in Excel?

Data visualization is the superhero of data analysis, allowing us to unravel complex information with a single glance. But even Excel, the mighty spreadsheet warrior, has its limits when it comes to creating a clear representation of energy flow and other intricate visuals.

Fear not, for ChartExpo comes to the rescue. Its intuitive visualizations and ease of use make analyzing data like gross profit vs. net income or the representation of energy flow simple and visually engaging. It turns raw numbers into insights that anyone can understand and act on.

Let’s learn how to install the energy flow diagram generator in Excel.

1. Open your Excel application.
2. Open the worksheet and click the “Insert” menu.
3. You’ll see the “My Apps” option.
4. In the office Add-ins window, click “Store” and search for ChartExpo on my Apps Store.
5. Click the “Add” button to install ChartExpo in your Excel.

ChartExpo charts are available for both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Install the tool of your choice and start creating visuals in seconds.

With ChartExpo’s energy flow chart maker, you can easily turn complex data into clear insights. This energy flow chart maker makes visualization simple, fast, and effective.

Simple Energy Flow Diagram

This section will use a Sankey Chart to visualize energy flow using the Energy Flow Diagram Generator.

Energy Type	Main Source	Source type	Energy Source	Usage	End-User	Mega Watt
Agricultural waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Losses in process	Lost	3.5
Agricultural waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Industry	5.1
Agricultural waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC Commercial	3.6
Agricultural waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC homes	2.6
Agricultural waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances Commercial	3.4
Agricultural waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances homes	1.4
Other waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Losses in process	Lost	5
Other waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Industry	3.8
Other waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC Commercial	4.7
Other waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC homes	3.4
Other waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances Commercial	5.2
Other waste	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances homes	1.8
Marina algae	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Losses in process	Lost	0.5
Marina algae	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Industry	0.4
Marina algae	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC Commercial	0.6
Marina algae	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC homes	0.4
Marina algae	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances Commercial	0.6
Marina algae	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances homes	0.4
Biomass import	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Losses in process	Lost	0.3
Biomass import	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Industry	0.5
Biomass import	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC Commercial	0.6
Biomass import	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC homes	0.2
Biomass import	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances Commercial	0.4
Biomass import	Bio-conversion	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances homes	0.1
Nuclear reserves	Nuclear Plant	Solid	Thermal generation	Losses in process	Lost	35
Nuclear reserves	Nuclear Plant	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Industry	9.1
Nuclear reserves	Nuclear Plant	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC Commercial	5.6
Nuclear reserves	Nuclear Plant	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC homes	4.2
Nuclear reserves	Nuclear Plant	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances Commercial	7.7
Nuclear reserves	Nuclear Plant	Solid	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances homes	2.8
Gas reserves	Natural Gas	Gas	Thermal generation	Losses in process	Lost	3.6
Gas reserves	Natural Gas	Gas	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Industry	5.9
Gas reserves	Natural Gas	Gas	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC Commercial	5.5
Gas reserves	Natural Gas	Gas	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	HVAC homes	3.4
Gas reserves	Natural Gas	Gas	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances Commercial	5.1
Gas reserves	Natural Gas	Gas	Thermal generation	Electricity grid	Appliances homes	2.5

• To get started with ChartExpo, install ChartExpo in Excel.
• Now Click on My Apps from the INSERT menu.

• Choose ChartExpo from My Apps, then click Insert.

• Once it loads, choose the “Sankey Chart” from the charts list.

• Click the “Create Chart From Selection” button after selecting the data from the sheet, as shown.

• ChartExpo will generate the visualization below for you.

• If you want to have the chart’s title, click Edit Chart, as shown in the above image.
• Click the pencil icon next to the Chart Header to change the title.
• It will open the properties dialog. Under the Text section, you can add a heading in Line 1 and enable Show.
• Give the appropriate title of your chart and click the Apply button.

• Let’s add the Postfix (e.g., MW sign) to the chart’s numeric values.
• Click the highlighted pencil icon. Expand the “Symbols” properties to add the Postfix value (e.g., MW sign).

• Let’s give colors to the nodes. Click the pencil icon at the top of the nodes and go to “Node“. Select the color and click the “Apply” button to save all changes.
• Click the “Save Changes” button to persist the changes.

• Your final cash flow Sankey Chart will appear as below.

Insights

• Agricultural waste and other waste contribute significantly to energy production through bioconversion and thermal generation.
• The main sources for energy production include solid biomass, with a focus on bioconversion and thermal generation processes.
• Electricity grid usage is a common end-user for energy generated from agricultural waste, other waste, marine algae, biomass import, nuclear reserves, and gas reserves.
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are notable end-users in commercial and residential settings for energy sourced from agricultural waste, other waste, marina algae, biomass import, nuclear reserves, and gas reserves.
• Industry plays a significant role as an end-user, particularly in the case of energy derived from agricultural waste, other waste, nuclear reserves, and gas reserves.
• Appliances, both in commercial and residential contexts, are notable end-users for electricity generated from agricultural waste, other waste, marine algae, biomass import, nuclear reserves, and gas reserves.
• Losses in the process occur in the conversion of biomass and nuclear reserves into energy, resulting in a portion of energy being lost during these processes.
• Nuclear reserves contribute a substantial amount of energy, with significantly higher megawatt outputs compared to other sources such as agricultural waste, other waste, marine algae, biomass import, and gas reserves.
• Natural gas, as a source, contributes to thermal generation for electricity production, with a diverse end-user distribution, including industry, HVAC, and appliances.
• The diversity in energy sources and end-users highlights the complexity and interdependence within the energy flow diagram, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and efficient utilization.

Applications of Energy Flow Diagrams

• National Energy Policy: Energy flow diagrams help policymakers understand the overall energy landscape, identify inefficiencies, and plan strategies for improving energy production and consumption.
• System Efficiency Analysis: These diagrams highlight where energy losses occur during generation, conversion, and distribution—making it easier to design more efficient systems and technologies.
• Resource Management: By tracking how different energy sources are used and transformed, an energy flow map supports better management of natural resources and sustainable energy planning.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Visualizing energy inputs and outputs helps assess emissions, waste, and the overall environmental footprint of an energy system.
• Education and Research: Energy flow diagrams simplify complex energy concepts, making them valuable tools for teaching energy conservation, transformation, and sustainability in academic settings.

Advantages of Using Sankey Energy Flow Diagram

Sankey energy flow diagrams have several advantages:

• Visual Clarity: They provide a visually clear representation of energy flow, making it easy to identify inefficiencies.
• Quantitative Insights: Sankey diagrams allow for precise quantitative analysis, as the width of arrows directly correlates with energy quantities.
• Comparative Analysis: You can compare different energy systems or scenarios side by side, aiding in decision-making.

Best Practice for Creating an Energy Flow Graph

Creating an effective energy flow graph requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices:

1. Gather Data: Collect accurate and up-to-date data on energy sources, transformations, distribution, consumption, and losses.
2. Choose the Right Software: Use software tools for creating energy flow diagrams, such as ChartExpo.
3. Maintain Consistency: Use consistent units and scales throughout the diagram to ensure accuracy.
4. Label and Annotate: Clearly label all components and annotate the diagram to provide context.

Review and Refine: Regularly review and refine your energy chain diagram as new data becomes available or as systems change.

Energy Flow Diagram – FAQs

How Do You Draw an Energy Transfer Diagram?

Drawing an energy transfer diagram involves representing the flow and transformation of energy in a system. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, starting with data collection and selecting the appropriate diagram type.

What is Meant by Process Flow and Energy Flow Diagram?

A process flow diagram illustrates the steps and stages of a particular process, while an energy flow diagram specifically shows how energy is sourced, transformed, distributed, and used within that process.

How Do You Read an Energy Flow Diagram?

Reading an energy flow diagram is straightforward. Remember that the width of the arrows represents energy quantity. Start from the source and follow the arrows through transformations, distribution, consumption, and losses to understand the complete energy journey.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, energy flow diagrams are powerful tools that provide insights into the complex world of energy systems. Whether you’re a policymaker, an engineer optimizing processes, or a student learning about energy, these diagrams serve as invaluable aids. By understanding the flow of energy, we can make informed decisions, reduce waste, and work towards a more sustainable future.

So, the next time you encounter a maze of energy pathways, fear not, the energy chain diagram will be your guiding light.

Unlock the potential of energy flow diagrams and embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of the energy world. Your data-driven discoveries may just hold the key to a brighter and more efficient tomorrow.