CARNOT CYCLE

CARNOT CYCLE
• The Carnot cycle is an idealized thermodynamic cycle that comprises
four reversible processes: two isothermal processes and two adiabatic
processes. It operates between two temperature reservoirs, a high-
temperature reservoir (heat source) and a low-temperature reservoir
(heat sink). The cycle achieves maximum efficiency for a heat engine
working between these two reservoirs. The isothermal processes
involve heat exchange at constant temperatures, while the adiabatic
processes involve reversible expansion and compression without heat
exchange.
• The Carnot cycle provides a theoretical upper limit for the efficiency
of any heat engine and serves as a reference for comparing the
performance of real-world thermodynamic systems.
CARNOT CYCLE
CARNOT CYCLE
CARNOT CYCLE
CARNOT CYCLE
CARNOT CYCLE
SAMPLE PROBLEM
A Carnot power cycle operates on 2 lbm of
air between the limits of 70°F and 500°F.
The pressure at the beginning of isothermal
expansions is 400 psia and at the end of
isothermal expansion is 185 psig. Determine
(a) the volume at the end of isothermal
compression, (b) S during an isothermal
process, (c) QA, (d) QR, (e) W, (f) e, (g) the
ratio of expansion during an isothermal
heating and the overall ratio of expansion,
and (h) the mean effective pressure.
CARNOT CYCLE
GIVEN:
SAMPLE PROBLEM
m = 2 lbm
A Carnot power cycle operates on 2 p1 = 400 psia
lbm of air between the limits of 70°F T1 = 500°F + 460 = 960 R = T2
and 500°F. The pressure at the P2 = 199.7 psia

beginning of isothermal expansions is T3 = 70°F + 460 = 530 R = T4

FIND:
400 psia and at the end of isothermal
(a) the volume at the end of isothermal compression
expansion is 185 psig. Determine (a) (b) (b) S during an isothermal process,
the volume at the end of isothermal (c) Q A,
compression, (b) S during an (d) Q R,
isothermal process, (c) QA, (d) QR, (e) (e) W,
W, (f) e, (g) the ratio of expansion (f) e,
during an isothermal heating and the (g) the ratio of expansion during an isothermal heating and the
overall ratio of expansion, and
overall ratio of expansion, and (h) the (h) the mean effective pressure.
mean effective pressure.