Carnot Efficiency Calculator
Calculate Carnot cycle efficiency, net work, and required temperatures for a given efficiency
Carnot Efficiency Calculator
η = 1 − T_cold / T_hot (Kelvin)
Results
Carnot Efficiency η
50.00%
= 0.5000
Net Work W_net
500.00 J
Heat Rejected Q_out
500.00 J
COP (refrigerator)
1.0000
Formula
η = 1 − T_c/T_h = 1 − 300.00 / 600.00
= 50.00%
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the hot reservoir temperature (TH)
Input the high-temperature heat source in Kelvin, Celsius, or Fahrenheit.
Enter the cold reservoir temperature (TC)
Input the low-temperature heat sink in the same or different temperature unit.
Read the Carnot efficiency
The calculator computes η = 1 − TC/TH (using absolute temperatures) and displays the maximum theoretical efficiency as a percentage.
Formula Reference
Carnot Efficiency
η_Carnot = 1 − T_C / T_H
Variables: T_C = absolute cold reservoir temperature (K), T_H = absolute hot reservoir temperature (K)
When to Use This Calculator
- •Use the Carnot Efficiency Calculator when solving homework or exam problems that require quick numerical verification of your hand calculations.
- •Use it during the design phase to rapidly iterate on parameters before running detailed finite element simulations.
- •Use it when reviewing a colleague's calculation or checking a vendor's data sheet for plausibility.
- •Use it to generate reference data for a technical report or presentation without manual computation.
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