Thermodynamics and Efficiency of a Heat Engine

Jairus Carlo F. Calpatura, Marc Jerrone R. Castro* and Mignon Frances A. Dumanjog
National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1011, Metro Manila
*Corresponding author: marc82598@gmail.com

Abstract

Keywords: Thermodynamics
1. Introduction
Thermodynamics concerns the relation of heat and temperature with energy and work, it revolves around
the four laws of thermodynamics. The first law states that that energy can be utilized between physical
systems as heat and work [2]. The second law defines entropy, or the measure of disorder within a
macroscopic system, which relates that energy cannot travel within a singular point of similar temperature
towards another temperature without the need of an external work [3]. These two laws are primary
mechanisms for thermodynamic setups such as a heat engine.

Figure 1. Heat engine

proces
Figure 1 shows an energy reservoir model of such heat engines. Simply, heat engines are devices which
operate under thermodynamic cycles and produce a net-positive work which results from a hot reservoir
produce QH. This produce is converted into mechanical work, whereas the excess is converted to Q C and
release onto the cold reservoir [3].

The objective of this experiment is to determine the thermodynamic work done by the heat engine and
compare it to the mechanical work done. Within the scope of the study, efficiency of the heat engine was
determined.
2. Methodology
The heat engines components were prepared and arranged in the following order, with all tube
connections secured: Air Chamber -> Heat Engine -> Pressure Sensor. Two test objects were
selected and weighed. A hot bath was prepared by boiling water over an electric stove and a cold
bath was prepared by placing ice in water. The air chamber was placed in the cold bath. The heat
engines piston was then placed at the 50mm mark as a starting point. This state was dubbed state
A. The temperature of the bath was recorded, as well as the pressure reading from the Lab Quest
and the position of the piston. Test object A (~100g) was then placed on the heat engine. This
position was dubbed state B. Temperature, pressure, and piston position readings were recorded.
The air chamber was then transferred to the hot bath. This position was dubbed state C.
Temperature, pressure, and piston position readings were recorded. Finally, the test object was
removed. This position was dubbed state D. Temperature, pressure, and piston position readings
were recorded. The air chamber was then returned to the cold bath (State A). Temperature,
pressure, and piston position readings were recorded.
 The experiment was repeated using test object B (~200g).

From the collected data, the thermodynamic processes were determined by analysis of the
temperature, pressure, and volume changes. A pressure-volume plot was also constructed to
visualize the changes caused by altering states. This graph was also used to calculate
thermodynamic work. Using the measured changes in piston height, mechanical work was
computed and compared to the calculated thermodynamic work. The number of moles of the
working substance, the air in the heat engine system, was calculated using recorded values of
temperature, pressure, and volume. Transitional work was also computed by integrating pressure-
volume work. The net work was defined and compared to mechanical work computed previously.
From the comparisons made, heat absorbed by the engine was derived and the thermal efficiency
e, of the heat engine was calculated.
3. Results and Discussion

References
1. Tipler, G., Mosca, P., Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 6th Ed., 2007.
2. Van Ness, H.C. (1983) [1969]. Understanding Thermodynamics. Dover Publications, Inc. ISBN
9780486632773. OCLC 8846081.
3. Fundamentals of Classical Thermodynamics, 3rd ed. p. 159, (1985) by G. J. Van Wylen and R. E. Sonntag
4.
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