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electric_head_uk
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I have a question on Why the Carnot cycle is not used with real engines? I need to refer to real cycles in my explanation.
The Carnot cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle that is used as a benchmark for the maximum efficiency of a heat engine. It consists of four reversible processes: isothermal expansion, adiabatic expansion, isothermal compression, and adiabatic compression. It is not used with real engines because it is an idealized model that assumes no friction, perfect insulation, and no internal irreversibilities, which are not possible in real-world systems.
The main limitations of the Carnot cycle are its assumptions of ideal conditions, such as perfect insulation and no internal irreversibilities. In real engines, there will always be some amount of energy loss due to friction and heat transfer, making it impossible to achieve the theoretical maximum efficiency of the Carnot cycle.
Real engines have lower efficiencies than the Carnot cycle because they are subject to various sources of energy loss, such as friction, heat transfer, and internal irreversibilities. These factors reduce the amount of useful work that can be obtained from the engine, leading to lower efficiency compared to the idealized Carnot cycle.
The Carnot cycle is used as a benchmark for the maximum efficiency of a heat engine. It is often compared to other thermodynamic cycles, such as the Otto, Diesel, and Brayton cycles, which are commonly used in real engines. These cycles have their own advantages and limitations, and they are designed to operate under real-world conditions, unlike the idealized Carnot cycle.
While the Carnot cycle is not used in real engines, it still has practical applications in other areas, such as refrigeration and air conditioning systems. These systems use a modified version of the Carnot cycle, known as the reverse Carnot cycle, to achieve maximum efficiency. However, in real engines, other thermodynamic cycles are more suitable for practical applications due to their ability to operate under real-world conditions.