Question

A reversible heat engine receives 50% of its intake heat from a thermal reservoir at 1000 K and the
balance amount from another reservoir at 500 K. However, it rejects heat to a single sink at 275 K.
Determine the maximum possible efficiency this heat engine may register.

Answer 1

Efficiency = ( work out put / work in put) × 100%

Work input :

1000 + 500 = 1500 K

Work out put :

275 K

Efficiency :

(275 / 1500) × 100%

275/1500 = 0.1833

0.1833 × 100% = 18.33%

Efficiency = 18.33%