Thermodynamical analysis of a quantum heat engine based on harmonic oscillators (original) (raw)

Many models of heat engines have been studied with the tools of finite-time ther-modynamics and an ensemble of independent quantum systems as the working fluid. Because of their convenient analytical properties, harmonic oscillators are the most frequently used example of quantum system. We analyze different thermodynamical aspects, with the final aim of the optimization of the finite-time cycle performance of the engine in terms of the mechanical power provided. The heat exchange mechanism between the working fluid and the thermal reservoirs is described by the Lindblad formalism. We describe an analytical method to find the limit cycle and identify the point of maximal power production as the duration of the 4 branches of the cycle are varied. This power production landscape exhibits strong resonances which have a clear quantum interpretation. *

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