Thermodynamic efficiency
From Free net encyclopedia
Thermodynamic efficiency (e) is defined as:
<math>e \equiv \frac{W}{Q}</math>
where
W is the absolute value of the work done in one thermodynamic cycle.
Q is the absolute value of the change in heat done in one cycle.
For heat engines, Sadi Carnot derived efficiency as a function of the temperature of its hot and cold reservoirs:
<math> e \equiv \frac{T_H - T_C}{T_H}</math>
The equation shows that higher efficiency is achieved with greater temperature differential between hot and cold working fluids. Practically speaking, the hotter the fluid, the more efficient the engine will be.
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