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by Symmetry 400 days ago
The energy produced by the combustion is the same but different fractions of it are converted into work. Just like efficiency differences in other types of heat engine.
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η = 1 - ( T_c / T_h )

Carnot-Efficiency is the theoretical limit of the cycle’s ability to get work out of the thermal energy where T_c is the exhaust (coldest) temperature after expansion and T_h the hottest temperature (before expansion). Temperatures given in K (Kelvin), so 100% if you manage to get T_c to absolute zero temperature.