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Carnot efficiency is the theoretical maximum efficiency of a heat engine operating between two temperature reservoirs. No real engine can exceed this limit.

Formula

The calculator applies η = 1 - (T_cold / T_hot)

Guida passo passo

  1. 1Enter hot reservoir temperature (T_hot) and cold reservoir temperature (T_cold)
  2. 2The calculator applies η = 1 - (T_cold / T_hot)
  3. 3Results show maximum theoretical efficiency

Esempi risolti

Ingresso
T_hot = 600 K, T_cold = 300 K
Risultato
η_max = 50%
Best possible performance

Errori comuni da evitare

  • Using Celsius instead of Kelvin temperatures
  • Assuming actual engines approach Carnot efficiency

Domande frequenti

Why can't we achieve Carnot efficiency in real engines?

Real engines have friction, heat losses, and irreversible processes that reduce efficiency below the theoretical maximum.

Does Carnot efficiency depend on the working fluid?

No, Carnot efficiency depends only on the two reservoir temperatures, not on the engine type or working substance.

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