We should stress again that the Carnot engine does not exist in real life: It is a purely theoretical device, useful for underst

Question

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We should stress again that the Carnot engine does not exist in real life: It is a purely theoretical device, useful for underst

anding the limitations of heat engines. Real engines never operate on the Carnot cycle; their efficiency is hence lower than that of the Carnot engine. However, no attempts to build a Carnot engine are being made. Why is that

Physics

1 answer:

Stels [109] · Answer 1 · 2021-01-31T19:35:47+03:00

Answer:

The Carnot engine has zero power

Explanation:

Although theoretically the Carnot engine has more efficiency than the real engine. In practice however they tend to have zero power.

This is because all its processes are reversible (that is isothermic and adiabatic).

So the system equilibrates with its surroundings at every point in time. This makes work done very slow and the power generated is zero.

Carnot cycles requires attaining isothermal heat transfers which is quite difficult and take a long time. Also a pump that can handle liquid-vapour phase mixture will be required.

This is not practical.