SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS

THE CARNOT CYCLE

Energy Systems and Aerodynamics

Fabio Bosio – M.Eng in Mechanical Engineering 1

THE CARNOT CYCLE

1-2 ISOTHERMAL EXPANSION

2-3 ADIABATIC EXPANSION

3-4 ISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION

4-1 ADIABATIC COMPRESSION

2
 THE CARNOT CYCLE

1. A reversible isothermal process in which heat is transferred to or from the high

temperature reservoir
2. A reversible adiabatic process in which the temperature of the working fluid
decreases from the high temperature to the low temperature
3. A reversible isothermal process in which heat is transferred to or from the low
temperature reservoir
4. A reversible adiabatic process in which the temperature of the working fluid
increases from the low temperature to the high temperature. 3
THE CARNOT CYCLE
Infinitesimal work

GAS LAW for n=1

Infinitesimal internal energy

4
 THE CARNOT CYCLE
Accordingly with the first law of
thermodynamics

Substituting the equations, we get:

• The process 1–2 is an expansion at TH, such that v2 is larger than v1

• The adiabatic process 2–3 is an expansion from TH to TL, with an increase in
specific volume
• The process 3–4 is a compression at a lower temperature, TL, and v4 is smaller
than v3
• The adiabatic process 4–1 is a compression from TL to TH, with a decrease in
5
specific volume
THE CARNOT CYCLE

PROCESS 1-2:

PROCESS 2-3, we divide per T:

6
THE CARNOT CYCLE
PROCESS 3-4:

PROCESS 4-1, we divide per T:

7
THE CARNOT CYCLE – CONCLUSION 1
Joining equations of ADIABATIC
COMPRESSION and EXPANTION together,
we get:

Therefore:

8
THE CARNOT CYCLE – CONCLUSION 2
From the ISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION
and EXPANTION:

Remembering:

We can find the relationship: