This is at odds with what jbriggs444 said in his post. Also, according to the definition that you gave, it is well known that the efficiency of a reversible engine operating in a cycle is less than 1.Gopal Mailpalli said:If you consider efficiency(η) in terms of ratio of heat energy converted to work per heat energy derived from source. Then efficiency of reversible engine will always be 1, whereas in irreversible engine, the total heat energy will not be able to convert to work, since there may be many chances where heat derived may be dissipated. So the efficiency of irreversible engine(η) will between 0< η <1. Whatever be the temperatures.
It means, η(r) > η(I)
Based on the jbriggs444 definition, a reversible engine uses maximum amount of heat energy to work per unit of heat transferred, whereas in irreversible engine it uses less heat energy per unit heat energy transferred. In general efficiency of reversible engines is always greater than irreversible engine.Chestermiller said:This is at odds with what jbriggs444 said in his post. Also, according to the definition that you gave, it is well known that the efficiency of a reversible engine operating in a cycle is less than 1.
I therefore agree with jbriggs444.
That is correct if the comparison is fair. But the original post here contemplated a comparison where the irreversible engine can be given an unfair advantage -- working from a pair of reservoirs with a different temperature difference.Gopal Mailpalli said:Based on the jbriggs444 definition, a reversible engine uses maximum amount of heat energy to work per unit of heat transferred, whereas in irreversible engine it uses less heat energy per unit heat energy transferred. In general efficiency of reversible engines is always greater than irreversible engine.
An irreversible engine is a type of heat engine that operates in one direction only, converting heat energy into mechanical work. This process is not reversible, meaning that the engine cannot be run backwards to restore the initial state. In contrast, a reversible engine can be run in either direction, converting heat energy into work and vice versa.
The efficiency of an irreversible engine is affected by several factors, including the temperature of the heat source, the temperature of the heat sink, and the type of working fluid used. Other factors such as friction and heat losses also play a role in determining the efficiency of the engine.
The efficiency of an irreversible engine is calculated using the following formula: efficiency = (work output/heat input) x 100%. This formula takes into account the amount of work produced by the engine and the amount of heat energy supplied to the engine.
No, the efficiency of an irreversible engine cannot be improved beyond a certain limit. This is because irreversible processes always result in some energy being lost, leading to a decrease in efficiency. However, the efficiency of an irreversible engine can be optimized by carefully selecting operating conditions and using efficient components.
Irreversible engines have various applications in our daily lives, such as in cars, refrigerators, and power plants. They are also used in industrial processes, such as in manufacturing and chemical production. Additionally, irreversible engines are used in renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to convert heat energy into electricity.