Calculating Heat Exhaust from a Heat Engine

In summary, the conversation discusses a heat engine operating between 40C and 380C with an efficiency of only 60% compared to a Carnot engine at those temperatures. The question asks at what rate the engine exhausts heat, and after some calculations, it is determined to be 41.3 kj/s. The conversation also briefly mentions finding the ideal Carnot engine and taking 60% of that, but it is clarified that this is not the correct answer to the question.
  • #1
flower76
51
0
I'm not sure if I'm interpreting this question correctly

A heat engine operated between 40C and 380C. Being a real engine, it efficiency is only 60% of that theoretically possible for a Carnot engine at these temperatures. If it absorbs heat at a rate of 60kW at what rate does it exhaust heat?

So should I be finding the ideal (Carnot engine) and then taking 60% of that?

ideal = 1-Tl/Th = 1- (313K/653K) = 0.52

so then I figured it runs at 60% of ideal so e should be 0.312

Is this right or is e just 60% ??
 
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  • #2
You are almost there. You did not answer what the question asked of you, it said what rate does it exhaust heat, not the efficiency.
 
  • #3
If e is 0.312

then 0.312 = (Qh-Ql)/Qh
0.312 = (60 kJ/s - Ql)/60 kj/s

Ql = 41.3 kj/s So it exhausts at a rate of 41.3 kj/s

Does this look right?
 
  • #4
seems reasonable.
 

1. How is heat exhaust calculated from a heat engine?

The heat exhaust from a heat engine can be calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT, where Q is the amount of heat energy transferred, m is the mass of the exhaust gas, c is the specific heat capacity of the gas, and ΔT is the change in temperature of the exhaust gas.

2. What factors affect the amount of heat exhaust from a heat engine?

The amount of heat exhaust from a heat engine can be affected by various factors such as the type of fuel used, the efficiency of the engine, the operating temperature and pressure, and the design of the exhaust system.

3. How does the efficiency of a heat engine impact the amount of heat exhaust?

The efficiency of a heat engine is directly related to the amount of heat exhaust. A more efficient engine will produce less waste heat exhaust compared to a less efficient engine.

4. Can the heat exhaust from a heat engine be reused?

In some cases, the heat exhaust from a heat engine can be reused for other purposes, such as heating buildings or powering other engines. However, the exhaust gases must be properly treated and cooled before they can be reused to prevent any potential hazards.

5. How can the heat exhaust from a heat engine be reduced?

The heat exhaust from a heat engine can be reduced by improving the efficiency of the engine, using alternative fuels, implementing exhaust gas recirculation systems, and properly maintaining the engine to prevent any excess heat loss. Additionally, using insulation materials and heat recovery systems can also help reduce heat exhaust.

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