Which phenomenon limits the maximum achievable efficiency in an Organic Rankine Cycle waste heat recovery system?

💡 Explanation

The second law of thermodynamics limits efficiency because it dictates that a heat engine cycle cannot convert all heat into work; some heat must be rejected to the environment. Therefore, the second law is the fundamental limit, rather than incomplete combustion, mechanical losses, or fouling, which relate to practical imperfections.

• Which consequence results when rapid vaporization in a cryogenic dewar occurs?
• Which limitation results when a Carnot engine's temperature reduces?
• Which outcome results when epoxy resin is heated excessively?
• Which effect indicates degraded fringe visibility during optical interferometry?
• Which outcome occurs when a pump impeller experiences cavitation?
• When a toroidal transformer's winding insulation degrades, which failure arises?