Enter the work output and the total heat input of a heat engine into the calculator to determine the thermal efficiency.
Thermal Efficiency Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the thermal efficiency.
ηth = W / Q
- Where ηth is the thermal efficiency
- W is the work output (J)
- Q is the heat input (J)
Thermal Efficiency Definition
A thermal efficiency is the ratio of the work output to the heat input of a heat engine. In other words the efficiency at which the engine converts heat to mechanical work.
Thermal Efficiency Example
How to calculate thermal efficiency?
- First, determine the input heat.
Measure the total heat put into the engine. For this example we will say this is 10 J of heat.
- Next, determine the workout output.
Measure the total work produced by the engine. For this example the work is 9 J.
- Finally, calculate the thermal efficiency.
Using the formula we find the thermal efficiency to be 9/10 = .90 = 90%
FAQ
Thermal efficiency is the rate or efficiency at which a heat engine converts heat into to work.
No, in reality, heat engines will always have some losses associated with them.
