lämpövoimakierrosten

Lämpövoimakierrokset, known in English as thermodynamic cycles, are fundamental concepts in thermodynamics and engineering, describing the theoretical sequence of thermodynamic processes that a system undergoes as it transfers heat energy into mechanical work. These cycles are the basis for the operation of heat engines, such as those found in power plants and internal combustion engines.

A thermodynamic cycle typically involves a working substance that absorbs heat from a high-temperature reservoir, performs work, rejects waste heat to a low-temperature reservoir, and returns to its initial state. The efficiency of a heat engine is determined by the amount of work it can produce relative to the heat it consumes. The Carnot cycle, a theoretical ideal cycle, sets the upper limit for the efficiency of any heat engine operating between two given temperatures.

Real-world cycles, like the Otto cycle (for gasoline engines) and the Diesel cycle (for diesel engines), approximate the Carnot cycle but incorporate irreversible processes and practical limitations. In power generation, steam power cycles, such as the Rankine cycle, are commonly used. These cycles involve the phase change of water into steam, which then drives turbines to produce electricity. Understanding these cycles is crucial for designing and optimizing energy conversion systems.