How does an engine work? What thermodynamic cycle does it follow? Well, a Carnot cycle is a thermodynamic cycle that gives us the best possible efficiency. It involves two reversible isothermal transitions and two reversible adiabatic transitions. But what exactly is a Carnot engine? Let's study it in more detail below. Suggested Videos Carnot Engine Principles The Carnot principles apply only to cyclic devices like heat engines, which state that: The efficiency of an irreversible heat engine is always lower than that of a reversible engine operating between the same two tanks. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayThe efficiency of all reversible heat engines operating between the same two tanks is the same. To increase the thermal efficiency of a gas turbine, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the combustion chamber. For example, turbine blades cannot withstand high temperature gases and lead to early fatigue. This theorem states that no motor operating between two given temperatures can be more efficient than a reversible motor operating between the same two temperatures and that all reversible motors operating between the same two temperatures have the same efficiency, whatever the substance. active. According to Carnot's theorem, the reversible motor will always have a higher efficiency than the irreversible motor. Let the reversible heat engine run in reverse cycle so that it functions like a heat pump (or refrigerator). Suppose that the work supplied to this heat pump comes from the work supplied by the irreversible motor. If you look at this closely you will see that the net energy exchange in the reservoir is a violation of the Kelvin-Planck statement of the second law of thermodynamics since there is no heat release into a well, which makes it a perpetual motion machine. of the second kind. This means that our initial hypothesis was wrong, thus elegantly proving that Carnot's theorem is correct. The Carnot cycle is reversible and represents the upper limit of the efficiency of a motor cycle. Practical engine cycles are irreversible and therefore have inherently lower efficiency than Carnot when operating at the same temperatures. One of the factors determining efficiency is the addition of working fluid into the cycle and its removal. The Carnot cycle achieves maximum efficiency because all heat is added to the working fluid at maximum temperature. The efficiency of the Carnot cycle The Carnot cycle is reversible, representing the upper limit of the efficiency of an engine cycle. Practical engine cycles are irreversible and therefore have inherently lower efficiency than Carnot when operating at the same temperatures. One of the factors determining efficiency is the addition of working fluid into the cycle and its removal. The Carnot cycle achieves maximum efficiency because all heat is added to the working fluid at maximum temperature. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized essay Carnot Cycle The cycle of the Carnot engine when acting as a heat engine includes the following stages: Reversible isothermal expansion of the gas at the “hot” temperature. Isentropic (reversible adiabatic) expansion of gas. Reversible isothermal compression of gas at “cold” temperature. Isentropic gas compression.