Problem — Maximum Carnot efficiency (500-300 K)

Problem

A Carnot engine operates between $T_H = 500\;\text{K}$ and $T_C = 300\;\text{K}$. Calculate the maximum efficiency.

Solution

Formula. The maximum efficiency between two temperatures is the Carnot efficiency, with the temperatures in kelvin:

$\eta_\text{Carnot} = 1 - \frac{T_C}{T_H}$

Numerical substitution.

$\eta_\text{Carnot} = 1 - \frac{300}{500} = 1 - 0{,}6 = \ev{0{,}40 = 40\%}$

No real engine operating between $300\;\text{K}$ and $500\;\text{K}$ can exceed $40\%$.

Collegamenti

Argomenti: Macchine termiche Concetti: Ciclo di Carnot · Rendimento Competenze: Impostazione simbolica Oggetti: Macchina termica