How to transform, with a capacitor, thermal energy into usable work

TL;DR

This paper explores how a capacitor can convert thermal energy into usable work by exploiting temperature-dependent dielectric permittivity, proposing a simple cycle that results in net energy gain.

Contribution

It introduces a thermodynamic cycle involving a capacitor with temperature-dependent permittivity, highlighting a novel way to harness thermal energy for work.

Findings

Net energy gain achievable in the cycle

Potential for practical energy conversion applications

Educational value for thermodynamics teaching

Abstract

The temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity is taken into account to study the energy change in a capacitor that follows a cycle between a cold and a hot thermal reservoirs. There is a net energy gain in the process that, in principle, can be transformed into usable work. The article is simple enough as to be used with keen undergraduates that have taken a university general physics or thermodynamics course. Further experimental work and a possible technological application are suggested.