The Carnot cycle is the most efficient cycle possible for converting a given amount of thermal energy into work or, conversely, for using a given amount of work for refrigeration purposes.
Every thermodynamic system exists in a particular state. A thermodynamic cycle occurs when a system is taken through a series of different states, and finally returned to its initial state. In the process of going through this cycle, the system may perform work on its surroundings, thereby acting as a heat engine.
A heat engine acts by transferring energy from a warm region to a cool region of space and, in the process, converting some of that energy to mechanical work. The cycle may also be reversed. It is then referred to as a heat pump.
The Carnot cycle when acting as a heat engine consists of the following steps:
1. Reversible isothermal expansion of the gas at the “hot” temperature, TH (isothermal heat addition). During this step (1 to 2 in figures above) the expanding gas causes the piston to do work on the surroundings. The gas expansion is propelled by absorption of quantity Q1 of heat from the high temperature reservoir.
2. Isentropic (Reversible adiabatic) expansion of the gas (isentropic work output). For this step (2 to 3 in figures below) we assume the piston and cylinder are thermally insulated, so that no heat is gained or lost. The gas continues to expand, doing work on the surroundings. The gas expansion causes it to cool to the “cold” temperature, TC.
3. Reversible isothermal compression of the gas at the “cold” temperature, TC. (isothermal heat rejection) (3 to 4 in figures below) Now the surroundings do work on the gas, causing quantity Q2 of heat to flow out of the gas to the low temperature reservoir.
4. Isentropic compression of the gas (isentropic work input). (4 to 1 in figures below) Once again we assume the piston and cylinder are thermally insulated. During this step, the surroundings do work on the gas, compressing it and causing the temperature to rise to TH. At this point the gas is in the same state as at the start of step 1.
Hi Alessandro,
Sorry to say but your statement is inaccurate.
The Carnot Cycle is the most efficient between two temperatures, the Otto between two volumes, the Brayton between two pressures; each connected between the fixed states by isentropic compression and expansion.
You need to be more specific about the assumptions : )
Cheers,
David
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment. You have a valid point. There is a difference between “the most efficient overall” and “the most efficient in temperature.”
Welcome to the debate! Thanks for reading.