CONSUME fuel consumption and emissions software

Project Description

The Consume software is updated as needed, technical expertise can be engaged, and support is available.  Consumption equations may be improved to cover a wider variety of vegetation types, include new algorithms as they are developed, so that the program can work on a wide variety of computer platforms.

The Consume 3.0 program can be run one of two ways:

• Through the Fuel and Fire Tools (FFT) online calculator—
• Through a command-line version—This version was developed for researchers who are working with large databases and can integrate their data with the Consume code.

Purpose and Scope

Consume predicts fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, and heat release based on a number of factors including fuel characteristics and environmental conditions. Using these predictions, users can determine when and where to conduct a prescribed burn or plan for a wildland fire to achieve desired objectives, while reducing the impact on other resources.

Methods

Development History

Development of Consume 3.0 was divided into six major tasks: needs assessment, study design, field data collection and analysis, development of Consume 3.0 software, user’s guide and training package, and scientific documentation. It was partially funded by the Joint Fire Science Program Project 98-1-9-06.

Development of Consume 4.2 was undertaken to integrate with the new Fuel and Fire Tools (FFT) software. Improvements were made to xxxxx (which parts of the equations?)

Implementation

Current Version

• Consume 4.2 (currently available only in a command-line version; there is no graphic interface). All equations in Consume 3.0 were migrated to Consume 4.2; results may differ owing to minor code corrections and updates to FCCS fuelbeds.

Earlier Versions

• Consume 3.0— A major advance in this version is the inclusion of natural fuel consumption equations in addition to the activity fuel equations supported by Consume 2.1. Consume 3.0 imported data fuels directly from the Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS), and formatted the results to be useful to other models and provide information for burn plan preparation and smoke management requirements.

Additionally, training and a user’s manual are available. Consume could be used for most forest, shrub, and grassland areas in North America. Consume 3.0 ran on Windows 2000 and XP operating systems. Because of compatibility issues with .NET versions, it was not recommended for installation on Windows 7 and higher operating systems. (2005)

• All equations were migrated to Consume 4.2; results may differ between Consume 3.0 and 4.2 outputs owing to minor code corrections and updates to FCCS fuelbeds. (2005)
• Consume 2.0 predicted fuel consumption based on activity fuel equations developed from broadcast slash burning in Pacific Northwest forest types. Improvements to version 1.0 included a Microsoft Windows User Interface, built-in fuel loading profiles, and updated equations. (2002)
• Consume—The original version of Consume predicted the amount of fuel consumption only on logged units based on weather data, the amount and fuel moisture of fuels, and a number of other factors, and determined when and where to conduct a prescribed burn to achieve desired objectives, while reducing impacts to other resources. It was a Microsoft DOS-based program. (1993)

Key Findings

• Consume 3.0 resolved differences in fuel consumption between the flaming phase of consumption and the smoldering phase that usually causes the majority of wildfire emissions.
• The 3.0 version of Consume includes consumption models for fuel categories in additional fuel types such as black and white spruce/hardwoods; longleaf and loblolly pine; ponderosa pine; grasslands; and sagebrush.
• Consume 3.0 works within the Microsoft Windows operating system. However, calculations are handled in a Java-based engine and can be run separately in batch mode detached from the Windows environment. A wide variety of operating systems, such as Macintosh, Unix, and Linux can thus be used.

We acknowledge funding from the Joint Fire Science Program Project #98-1-9-06.