Calculate the maximum theoretical efficiency of any heat engine.
Temperature Specs
Calculation Results
Th must be greater than Tc
About this calculator
Quick Reference
ηCarnot Efficiency
ThAbsolute Temperature (Hot)
TcAbsolute Temperature (Cold)
NoteT must be in Kelvin for calculation
Overview
The Carnot efficiency is the absolute limit for the efficiency of any engine converting heat into work. It depends only on the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
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Pro Tips
Efficiency increases as the difference between Th and Tc becomes larger.
A 100% efficient engine is physically impossible because Tc would need to be 0 Kelvin (Absolute Zero).
Real-world engines (like car engines or power plants) always have efficiencies much lower than the Carnot limit due to friction and other losses.
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Fun Facts
"Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot, a French military engineer, proposed this cycle in 1824."
"The Carnot cycle is reversible, meaning it could theoretically be run in reverse to act as a perfect refrigerator."
"Most modern internal combustion engines have an efficiency of only about 20-35%."
