EngiRef / Formulas

Carnot Efficiency

Maximum possible efficiency of heat engine

Cycles

Source Details

Id

thermo-carnot

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)

Variables
[
  {
    "symbol": "η",
    "name": "Efficiency",
    "unit": "",
    "siUnit": ""
  },
  {
    "symbol": "Tc",
    "name": "Cold Temperature",
    "unit": "K",
    "siUnit": "K",
    "imperialUnit": "°R"
  },
  {
    "symbol": "Tₕ",
    "name": "Hot Temperature",
    "unit": "K",
    "siUnit": "K",
    "imperialUnit": "°R"
  }
]
Solve For

η, Tc, Tₕ

Tags

carnot, efficiency, heat engine, cycle

Is Custom

false