Comparing Carnot efficiency to Stirling efficiency

In summary, the problem involves deriving work and heat for each leg of a cycle and calculating the efficiency of the cycle when given specific values for temperature and volume. The efficiency is compared to that of a Carnot cycle. The equations used include work as an integral of pressure and volume, and the efficiency of a Carnot cycle as 1 minus the ratio of the lower temperature to the higher temperature. The solution may be affected by the number of moles and the type of gas being used.
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Homework Statement



In the problem, we were to derive work and heat for each leg of the cycle. Then we are asked:

In the definition of the efficiency of this cycle, η =W Qpos , where Qpos is the total positive heat flow to the engine, what is the efficiency of the cycle when Th = 700K and
Tc = 400K? V1 = 0.5 L and V2 = 1.5 L. Compare this efficiency to the efficiency of a Carnot cycle that operates between the same temperature extremes.

Homework Equations



Work = integral from Vi to Vf of PdV
W done during cycle = nr(Th-Tc)ln(vf/vi) Derivation here:

http://www.pha.jhu.edu/~broholm/l39/node5.html

Q = Cv(Th -Tc) - nRT ln (Vf/Vi)

We are told Cv = 5/2 * R

efficiency of a carnot cycle = 1- Tc/Th

The Attempt at a Solution



I have attempted to get the solution but have come up with a result that is about an order of magnitude too small that i am unable to rectify. It is part c in the attachment.
 

Attachments

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  • #2
CV = 5R/2 is the molar heat capacity at constant volume for a diatomic gas. You need to take account the number of moles when using CV. (You didn't specify if the number of moles is given or whether the gas is monatomic or diatomic.)
 

1. How do Carnot efficiency and Stirling efficiency differ?

Carnot efficiency is the theoretical maximum efficiency that a heat engine can achieve, while Stirling efficiency is the actual efficiency of a Stirling engine.

2. Which one is more efficient, Carnot or Stirling?

Carnot efficiency is always higher than Stirling efficiency for the same temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs.

3. Can a Stirling engine achieve the same efficiency as a Carnot engine?

No, a Stirling engine cannot achieve the same efficiency as a Carnot engine, as it is limited by practical considerations such as friction and heat losses.

4. What are the main factors that affect the efficiency of a Stirling engine?

The efficiency of a Stirling engine is influenced by several factors, including the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs, the design and materials of the engine, and the speed at which it operates.

5. Is one engine better than the other for specific applications?

The choice between a Carnot or Stirling engine depends on the specific application and its requirements. For example, Carnot engines are more suitable for high temperature differentials, while Stirling engines are better for low temperature differentials and can operate silently.

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