Efficiency of heat engine

Question

How does the efficiency of heat engine change when operating at different temperatures?

Answer 1

Hello Asked;

Briefly, I can say:

The efficiency of a heat engine generally increases when it operates at higher temperatures and decreases when it operates at lower temperatures. In simple terms, higher temperatures make the engine work better and produce more useful energy, while lower temperatures make it less efficient and produce less useful energy.

To formulate it;

The efficiency (η) of a heat engine is expressed by the formula:

η = 1 - (T_c/T_h)

Where:

η is the efficiency of the heat engine.

T_c is the absolute temperature (in Kelvin) of the cold reservoir (where heat is expelled).

T_h is the absolute temperature (in Kelvin) of the hot reservoir (where heat is absorbed).

In this formula, as T_h (the hot reservoir temperature) increases or becomes higher, the efficiency of the heat engine tends to increase, making it more efficient. Conversely, if T_h decreases or becomes lower, the efficiency decreases, making the engine less efficient. So, higher operating temperatures lead to better efficiency in heat engines.

I hope I could be of help.