1. What is the Carnot Efficiency Equation?

The Carnot efficiency equation gives the maximum possible efficiency that a heat engine operating between two reservoirs can achieve. It represents a theoretical limit based on the second law of thermodynamics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Carnot efficiency equation:

Where:

• \( \eta \) — Carnot efficiency (dimensionless)
• \( T_h \) — Absolute temperature of hot reservoir (Kelvin)
• \( T_c \) — Absolute temperature of cold reservoir (Kelvin)

Explanation: The efficiency depends only on the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs, with higher temperature differences yielding higher efficiencies.

3. Importance of Carnot Efficiency

Details: Carnot efficiency provides an upper bound for real heat engines. It's fundamental in thermodynamics for analyzing energy conversion systems like power plants, refrigerators, and heat pumps.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both temperatures in Kelvin. The hot reservoir temperature must be greater than the cold reservoir temperature for a valid result.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why can't real engines achieve Carnot efficiency?
A: Real engines have irreversibilities like friction, heat loss, and finite temperature differences that prevent them from reaching this theoretical maximum.

Q2: How do I convert Celsius to Kelvin?
A: Add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature to get Kelvin (K = °C + 273.15).

Q3: Can efficiency be greater than 100%?
A: No, Carnot efficiency is always less than 100% (or 1.0) as it would violate the second law of thermodynamics.

Q4: What's the efficiency if T_c = 0 K?
A: Theoretically 100%, but absolute zero is unattainable (third law of thermodynamics).

Q5: Does this apply to refrigerators?
A: Yes, but in reverse - the coefficient of performance for refrigerators has a Carnot limit based on the same temperature difference.