Carnot's theorem (thermodynamics)



Carnot's theorem, also called Carnot's rule is a principle which sets a limit on the maximum amount of efficiency any possible engine can obtain, which thus solely depends on the difference between the hot and cold temperature reservoirs. Carnot's theorem states:

“ No engine operating between two heat reservoirs can be more efficient than a Carnot engine operating between the same reservoirs. ”

The rule was an essential stepping stone towards the formulation of the work. Thermal efficiency is defined as

\eta_{th} \equiv \frac{W_{out}}{Q_{in}},


  Carnot showed that the maximum efficiency possible by any sort of engine has a limit defined by the following efficiency η:

\eta=\frac{W}{Q_H}=1-\frac{T_C}{T_H} = \frac{\Delta T} {T_H}\

where:

W is the work done by the system (energy exiting the system as work),
QH is the heat put into the system (heat energy entering the system),
TC is the absolute temperature of the cold reservoir, and
TH is the temperature of the hot reservoir.

Carnot's theorem sets essential limitations on the yield of a Carnot heat engine.

 
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