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Thermodynamic Efficiency Formula:
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Thermodynamic efficiency (η) represents the maximum possible efficiency of a heat engine operating between two temperature reservoirs. It is derived from the second law of thermodynamics and provides the theoretical limit for energy conversion efficiency.
The calculator uses the Carnot efficiency formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula gives the maximum possible efficiency for any heat engine operating between two temperature reservoirs. The efficiency increases as the temperature difference between the reservoirs increases.
Details: Calculating thermodynamic efficiency is crucial for designing heat engines, power plants, refrigeration systems, and understanding the fundamental limits of energy conversion processes in various engineering applications.
Tips: Enter both temperatures in Kelvin (absolute temperature scale). Ensure T_hot > T_cold > 0 for valid results. The calculator will display efficiency as a percentage.
Q1: Why must temperatures be in Kelvin?
A: The formula requires absolute temperature values because it's based on thermodynamic principles that use the absolute temperature scale.
Q2: What is the maximum possible efficiency?
A: The maximum theoretical efficiency is 100%, but this would require T_cold = 0 K, which is impossible to achieve (absolute zero cannot be reached).
Q3: Can efficiency be negative?
A: No, efficiency values range from 0% to approaching 100%. Negative efficiency would violate thermodynamic principles.
Q4: How does this relate to real-world engines?
A: Real engines always have lower efficiency due to various losses (friction, heat transfer, etc.). This formula gives the theoretical maximum.
Q5: What if T_hot is less than T_cold?
A: The formula would give negative results, which is physically impossible. This indicates the input values are incorrect for a heat engine.