Calculating Maximum Cycle Temperature in Carnot Cycle | Homework Solution

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum cycle temperature for an ideal Carnot engine with a minimum temperature of 25°C, which develops 20 kW and rejects heat at a rate of 12 kW. The key equations used include the Carnot efficiency formula and the relationship between heat inputs and outputs. By applying the first law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy conservation, the efficiency was determined to be 62.5%. This efficiency was then used to calculate the maximum cycle temperature, resulting in a value of approximately 66.67°C. The calculations and concepts discussed clarify the process of determining the maximum cycle temperature in a Carnot cycle.
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Homework Statement



An ideal engine operating on the Carnot cycle with a minimum temperature of 25°C develops 20 kW and rejects heat a rate of 12 kW. Calculate the maximum cycle temperature and the required heat supply of the cycle.



Homework Equations



Qhot/Thot =Qcold/Tcold



The Attempt at a Solution



Since this is ideal entropy must be conserved. Δs hot =Δs cold is as far as I got.

Really stuck with this not sure how to go about it, any help would be greatly appreciated
 
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What about the first law of thermodynamics?
 
Carnot Efficiency is n=1-(Qc/Qh), Qc is heat rejected, Qh is heat supplied
also Carnot efficiency is n=1-(Tc/Th)

Drawing a control volume around the device, (20 KW + 12 leaving) means 32 input or Qh=32, thus you have an efficiency, and then you can use this efficiency to solve for Th

So n=1-(12/32)=62.5% efficient

.625=1-(tc/th)
Tc/.375=Th thus 25/.375=66.67 C

hope that helps
 
Thanks very much. Makes complete sense now
 
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