Heat engines and the Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency

Authors

  • A. Calvo Hernández
  • J.M.M. Roco
  • A. Medina
  • N. Sánchez-Salas

Keywords:

Thermodynamics, heat engines, optimization, Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency

Abstract

The so-called Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency is becoming a paradigmatic result with regards to thermodynamic optimization of power cycles. Its wide applicability and sole dependence on the external heat bath temperatures (as the Carnot efficiency does) allows for an easy and fairly comparison with experimental efficiencies of striking validity. Different analytical derivations are presented in order to assess its validity and limitations for a broad variety of thermal cycles and steady state systems based on Finite-Time, Linear-Irreversible and Equilibrium Thermodynamic frameworks. Some conclusions and future perspectives are also outlined.

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Published

2014-01-01

How to Cite

[1]
A. Calvo Hernández, J. Roco, A. Medina, and N. Sánchez-Salas, “Heat engines and the Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency”, Rev. Mex. Fís., vol. 60, no. 5 Sept-Oct, pp. 384–0, Jan. 2014.

Issue

Vol. 60 No. 5 Sept-Oct (2014): Revista Mexicana de Física.

Section

Articles

License

Authors retain copyright and grant the Revista Mexicana de Física right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.