The efficiency of the Carnot cycle of a heat engine is the highest possible theoretical efficiency. Real heat engines, despite the great efforts of design teams, barely achieve half of the theoretical thermal efficiency. This significant difference is generally attributed to imperfect heat exchange and frictional resistances of the machine. One can only agree with this opinion to a certain extent. The difference in efficiency is so significant that fundamental reasons can be assumed. The article describes the direction of solving the efficiency problem by regulating the load of the working piston and the direction of solving it by thermally regulating the working piston stroke process. A new method of analyzing thermal processes brings new possibilities and perspectives for improving machine efficiency.
Science Journal 