Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: Tintin_Triton on 30/09/2009 09:11:33

Title: Which is the most efficient engine and why?
Post by: Tintin_Triton on 30/09/2009 09:11:33

Well, I have heard about many engines, but my question is which is the most efficient? And if it is then why?

Title: Which is the most efficient engine and why?
Post by: peppercorn on 30/09/2009 12:08:40

The frustrating answer is 'it depends'.

No one type of engine (I'll assume you mean heat engine) is most efficient under all loads or speeds. Also realisable efficiency is also a question of what 'fuel' you have available.

If you want to pick a specific well-defined application for your engine, someone might have a more illuminating answer for you.

Title: Which is the most efficient engine and why?
Post by: lightarrow on 02/10/2009 18:33:08

Quote from: Tintin_Triton on 30/09/2009 09:11:33

Well, I have heard about many engines, but my question is which is the most efficient? And if it is then why?

It is an engine working with a Carnot cycle: two isotherms and two adiabatics. The reason lies in thermodynamic theory; it's demonstrated that every other cycle has a lower efficience.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnot_heat_engine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_Engine#Efficiency