A Carnot engine is a theoretical heat engine that operates on the principles of thermodynamics. It is a closed system that converts heat energy into mechanical work.
The Carnot engine was invented by French physicist Sadi Carnot in the early 19th century.
A Carnot engine works by using a heat source, such as a hot reservoir, to heat a working fluid. The fluid then expands, doing work on a piston or turbine. The resulting work is used to turn a generator or perform other mechanical tasks. The used fluid is then cooled by a cold reservoir and compressed back to its original state, ready to repeat the cycle.
The ideal Carnot engine has theoretical limitations, such as the need for an infinite amount of time to complete one cycle and the requirement of ideal components. In practical applications, the Carnot engine is limited by the efficiency of real-world heat sources and the loss of energy due to friction and other factors.
While the Carnot engine is not commonly used in its ideal form, the principles behind it have been used to develop more efficient engines and other heat-powered devices. The Carnot cycle is also used as a benchmark for comparing the efficiency of real-world engines and other thermodynamic systems.