Three heat engines A, B and C operate between the same two temperature reservoirs

PHYSICS · Subjective · CBSE · Physics · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics

Problem

Three heat engines A, B and C operate between the same two temperature reservoirs,

T_H = 700\,\text{K}

and

T_C = 350\,\text{K}

. In one complete cycle their measured heat and work interactions are as follows: Engine A :

Q_H = 800\,\text{kJ}

W = 360\,\text{kJ}

Engine B :

Q_H = 600\,\text{kJ}

W = 240\,\text{kJ}

Engine C :

Q_H = 900\,\text{kJ}

W = 315\,\text{kJ}

a) For each engine calculate the actual thermal efficiency. b) Determine the ideal (Carnot) efficiency possible between these reservoirs. c) Rank the three engines according to how closely each approaches the ideal efficiency, showing all working. d) Which engine would you recommend for generating electricity? Justify your choice on the basis of the results obtained.

Related theory

Heat Engines
Thermodynamics
Second law and Carnot cycle
Carnot engine

Browse the problem library