Heat engine

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-006192",
  "term": "Heat engine",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A device or system that converts thermal energy into mechanical work by exploiting a temperature difference between a hot source and a cold sink. In the context of the atmosphere, the Earth's climate system can be viewed as a giant heat engine, driven by solar radiation and converting heat into atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Its efficiency is limited by the Carnot cycle.",
  "see_also": [
    "Carnot engine"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/heat-engine/"
}