Abstract
The efficiency of a thermal engine working in the linear response regime in a multi-terminal configuration is discussed. For the generic three-terminal case, we provide a general definition of local and non-local transport coefficients: electrical and thermal conductances, and thermoelectric powers. Within the Onsager formalism, we derive analytical expressions for the efficiency at maximum power, which can be written in terms of generalized figures of merit. Furthermore, using two examples, we investigate numerically how a third terminal could improve the performance of a quantum system, and under which conditions non-local thermoelectric effects can be observed.
Highlights
Thermoelectricity has recently received enormous attention due to the constant demand for new and powerful ways of energy conversion
Within the Onsager formalism, we derive analytical expressions for the efficiency at maximum power, which can be written in terms of generalized figures of merit
In this paper we have developed a general formalism for linear-response multi-terminal thermoelectric transport
Summary
Thermoelectricity has recently received enormous attention due to the constant demand for new and powerful ways of energy conversion. These expressions are written in terms of generalized dimensionless figures of merit.
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