Is Higher Thermal Efficiency of an Engine Always Better?

1 Answers
MacEmiliano
07/29/25 3:29pm
Higher thermal efficiency in an engine is generally better. Thermal efficiency refers to the ratio of heat converted into mechanical work to the total heat consumed by the engine. During normal operation, engines lose some power, so higher working efficiency directly correlates with higher thermal efficiency. This results in stronger vehicle power and lower fuel consumption. However, even with high thermal efficiency, poor matching between the engine and transmission can lead to significant drivetrain efficiency losses. In such cases, the vehicle's fuel consumption may not decrease despite the engine's high thermal efficiency. Conversely, perfect engine-transmission pairing enhances drivetrain efficiency, naturally reducing fuel consumption. With advancing engine technology, many automakers have improved thermal efficiency—some brands achieving 38%, with certain models exceeding 40%. The automotive industry's highest recorded thermal efficiency stands at 45%, meaning only 45% of heat is utilized while 55% is wasted.
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