Abstract
We study the nonequilibrium thermodynamics of a heat engine operating between two finite-sized reservoirs with well-defined temperatures. Within the linear response regime, it is found that the uniform temperature of the two reservoirs at final time τ is bounded from below by the entropy production σ_{min}∝1/τ. We discover a general power-efficiency tradeoff depending on the ratio of heat capacities (γ) of the reservoirs for the engine, and a universal efficiency at maximum average power of the engine for arbitrary γ is obtained. For practical purposes, the operation protocol of an ideal gas heat engine to achieve the optimal performance associated with σ_{min} is demonstrated. Our findings can be used to develop a general optimization scenario for thermodynamic cycles with finite-sized reservoirs in real-world circumstances.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
