Power Output of a Heat Engine

In summary, the heat engine operates between a hot reservoir of steam at 100 Celsius and a cold reservoir of ice at 0 Celsius. In 1.4 hours, 12 kg of steam condenses and 60 kg of ice melts. The power output of the heat engine can be determined using the equations for efficiency, net heat transfer, and change in thermal energy. Qc and Qh represent the heat transferred to the cold and hot reservoirs respectively, and can be calculated from the given masses.
  • #1
kikko
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Homework Statement


The hot reservoir of a heat engine is steam at 100 Celsius while the cold reservoir is ice at 0Celsius In 1.4 hours of operation, 12 kg of steam condenses and 60 kg of ice melts.

What is the power output of the heat engine?


Homework Equations



Efficiency = 1-(Qc)/(Qh)
Wout = Qnet = Qh-Qc
/\Eth = W+Q

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no clue on where to start this one, something dealing with temperature differences and derivatives, I believe.
 
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  • #2
If you have no clue try to find out what the symbols in the equations mean. What are Qc an Qh? Can you determine them from the data given (mass of steam condensed, mass of ice melted)?

ehild
 

1. What is the definition of power output for a heat engine?

Power output for a heat engine is the amount of work the engine can perform per unit time. It is typically measured in units of watts (W) or horsepower (hp).

2. How is the power output of a heat engine calculated?

The power output of a heat engine is calculated by multiplying the engine's thermal efficiency by the rate of heat transfer from the hot reservoir to the cold reservoir. This can be represented by the equation P = Qh x η, where P is power output, Qh is the rate of heat transfer, and η is the thermal efficiency.

3. What factors can affect the power output of a heat engine?

The power output of a heat engine can be affected by several factors, including the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs, the type of working fluid used, and the design and efficiency of the engine's components.

4. How does the power output of a heat engine relate to its efficiency?

The power output of a heat engine is directly proportional to its efficiency. This means that as the efficiency of the engine increases, so does its power output. Therefore, improving the efficiency of a heat engine can result in an increase in its power output.

5. Can the power output of a heat engine be greater than its input power?

No, according to the first and second laws of thermodynamics, the power output of a heat engine cannot be greater than its input power. This means that the engine can never produce more work than the amount of heat it receives from the hot reservoir.

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