Calculate the efficiency of a heat engine in converting heat into work.
Input Parameters
J
J
Calculation Results
Enter temperatures or heat values
Quick Reference
ηThermal Efficiency
Q_inHeat energy put into the system
Q_outWaste heat released
T_hotTemperature of hot reservoir (K)
T_coldTemperature of cold reservoir (K)
Overview
Thermal efficiency measures how well a heat engine converts heat input into useful work. The theoretical maximum efficiency is defined by the Carnot cycle.
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Pro Tips
Efficiencies are always between 0 and 1 (or 0% and 100%).
For Carnot efficiency, temperatures must be in Kelvin.
Real engines are always less efficient than the Carnot limit due to friction and other losses.
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Fun Facts
"A typical modern car engine has a thermal efficiency of about 25% to 30%."
"Large combined-cycle power plants can reach efficiencies over 60%."
"The second law of thermodynamics states that no engine can be 100% efficient."
