In thermodynamics, thermodynamic efficiency, symbolized by (e), is defined as:

$e\; \backslash equiv\; \backslash frac\{W\}\{Q\}$

where

W is the absolute value of the work done in one thermodynamic cycle.

Q is the absolute value of the change in heat done in one cycle.

History

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In 1824, the French physicist Sadi Carnot derived efficiency for heat engines as a function of the temperature of its hot and cold reservoirs:

$e\; \backslash equiv\; \backslash frac\{T\_H\; -\; T\_C\}\{T\_H\}$

The equation shows that higher efficiency is achieved with greater temperature differential between hot and cold working fluids. Practically speaking, the hotter the fluid, the more efficient the engine will be.

See also

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• Energy efficiency
• Thermal efficiency

Thermodynamics | Physical quantity

Rendimento (termodinamica) | Hyötysuhde | Verkningsgrad