Thanks!nasu said:The efficiency does not have units of Joules. It does not have any units, it's a ratio.
A heat engine efficiency is a measure of how well a heat engine converts heat energy into mechanical work. It is typically expressed as a percentage, with higher percentages indicating a more efficient engine.
Heat engine efficiency is calculated by dividing the work output of the engine by the heat energy input. This can be expressed as: efficiency = (work output/heat energy input) x 100%. The higher the ratio, the more efficient the engine.
The efficiency of a heat engine is affected by several factors, including the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs, the type of working fluid used, and the design of the engine. In general, higher temperature differences and more efficient working fluids lead to higher efficiencies.
The Carnot efficiency is the maximum theoretical efficiency that a heat engine can achieve. It is based on the Carnot cycle, which is a theoretical cycle that represents the most efficient way to convert heat energy into work. The Carnot efficiency is dependent on the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs.
There are several ways to improve the efficiency of a heat engine, such as using more efficient working fluids, increasing the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs, and optimizing the engine design. Additionally, incorporating waste heat recovery systems can also improve overall efficiency by utilizing excess heat energy that would otherwise be lost.