Powerful ordered collective heat engines

Author(s)

Filho, Fernando S. ; Forao, Gustavo A. L. ; Busiello, Daniel M. ; Cleuren, B. ; Fiore, Carlos E.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH; v. 5, n. 4, p. 12-pg., 2023-10-20.

Abstract

We introduce a class of stochastic engines in which the regime of units operating synchronously can boost the performance. Our approach encompasses a minimal setup composed of N interacting units placed in contact with two thermal baths and subjected to a constant driving worksource. The interplay between unit synchronization and interaction leads to an efficiency at maximum power between the Carnot eta(c) and the Curzon-Ahlborn bound eta(CA). Moreover, these limits can be respectively saturated maximizing the efficiency, and by simultaneous optimization of power and efficiency. We show that the interplay between Ising-like interactions and a collective ordered regime is crucial to operate as a heat engine. The main system features are investigated by means of a linear analysis near equilibrium, and developing an effective discrete-state model that captures the effects of the synchronous phase. The robustness of our findings extends beyond the all-to-all interactions and paves the way for the building of promising nonequilibrium thermal machines based on ordered structures. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/03372-2 - Stochastic thermodynamics of phase transitions and periodically driven systems
• Grantee: Carlos Eduardo Fiore dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/13287-2 - Collisional interacting thermal engines
• Grantee: Gustavo Antonio Leme Forão
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation