Which performance limitation arises when operating a Carnot engine with a small temperature difference?

💡 Explanation

When the Carnot engine operates with a small temperature difference, the amount of heat exchanged during isothermal processes becomes limited by a fixed entropy change, leading to longer cycle times to extract useful power. Therefore, a reduced power output occurs because the cycle takes a long duration, rather than irreversibilities, decreased efficiency (which is maximum for a smaller difference but gives low power production practically), or pressure extremes all requiring different considerations.

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