EngiRef / Thermodynamics Engineering Formula
Carnot Efficiency
Carnot Efficiency: Maximum possible efficiency of heat engine. A Cycles formula in thermodynamics engineering. Variables η, Tc and Tₕ, each with SI and…
Cycles
Specification
- Name
- Carnot Efficiency
- Discipline
- thermodynamics
- Category
- Cycles
- LaTeX
- \eta = 1 - \frac{T_C}{T_H}
- Description
- Maximum possible efficiency of heat engine
- Conditions
- Temperatures must be in absolute units (K or °R)
- Can solve for
- η, Tc, Tₕ
- Tags
- carnot, efficiency, heat engine, cycle
Variables
| Symbol | Name | Unit | Si Unit | Imperial Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| η | Efficiency | - | - | - |
| Tc | Cold Temperature | K | K | °R |
| Tₕ | Hot Temperature | K | K | °R |
Common questions
- What is the Carnot Efficiency formula?
- Maximum possible efficiency of heat engine. It sits under Cycles, Thermo engineering in the EngiRef reference.
- What do the symbols in the Carnot Efficiency formula mean?
- In Carnot Efficiency, η is efficiency; Tc is cold temperature in K; Tₕ is hot temperature in K.
- When does the Carnot Efficiency formula apply?
- Carnot Efficiency holds under this condition: Temperatures must be in absolute units (K or °R).