What is the efficiency of the atmospheric upward heat convection process?
The efficiency of the atmospheric process is the Carnot efficiency calculated using the average temperature at which heat is received as the hot source temperature and the average temperature at which heat is given up as the cold source temperature. Taking the average temperature of the hot source as +20C and the average temperature of the cold source as -20C, the efficiency is 14%. 14% of the 128 W/m2 transported upward by convection is converted to work. Atmospheric work production averages 18 W/m2. The thermodynamic efficiency of atmospheric upward heat transport is roughly independent of whether the heat is transported as sensible or latent heat. For more information on atmospheric efficiency see: Thermodynamic cycle of the atmospheric upward heat convection process.
