Seminar "Coherence-Correlations-Complexity", Dept. of Theoretical Physics, Wrocław University of Technology
Sala 320a bud. A-1, Politechnika Wrocławska
Classical engines with ideal efficiency and nonzero power: is it possible?
prof. Joseph Indekeu
Institute for Theoretical Physics, KU Leuven
A classical engine with ideal efficiency (unity for a chemical engine and Carnot for a thermal one) has zero power because a reversible cycle lasts infinitely long. However, at least from a theoretical point of view, it is possible to conceive (irreversible) engines with nonzero power that can reach ideal efficiency. Our way to do this is by replacing the usual linear transport law by a sublinear one and taking the step-function limit for the particle current (chemical engine) or heat current (thermal engine) versus the applied force. We speculate on the physical motivation for a sublinear law and a step-function law in the context of criticality and first-order phase transitions, respectively. Quantum engines are also relevant in this context but will not be discussed in this talk.
