A multipurpose information engine that can go beyond the Carnot limit

TL;DR

This paper introduces an extended autonomous Maxwell demon model with two heat baths, demonstrating it can surpass Carnot efficiency and perform multiple thermodynamic functions simultaneously.

Contribution

It presents a novel model with two heat baths that can operate as an engine, refrigerator, or eraser, surpassing traditional thermodynamic limits.

Findings

Engine efficiency exceeds Carnot limit

Refrigerator performance surpasses Carnot limit

System can function as multiple thermodynamic devices

Abstract

Motivated by the recent work by Mandal and Jarzynski on autonomous Maxwell demon information engine, we have extended their model by introducing two different heat baths. The system (demon) is coupled to a memory register (tape) and a work source. The performance of the system depends on the interplay between these two sources along with the heat baths. We have found the system can act as an engine, refrigerator or an eraser. Even the combination of any two is possible in some parameter space. We have achieved the efficiency of the engine is greater than Carnot limit. The coefficient of performance of refrigerator also achieves larger than Carnot limit.