Optimization performance of quantum Otto heat engines and refrigerators with squeezed thermal reservoirs

TL;DR

This paper analyzes how squeezing thermal reservoirs affects the efficiency and performance of quantum Otto heat engines and refrigerators, revealing conditions for optimization and bounds related to squeezing degrees.

Contribution

It investigates the impact of squeezed thermal reservoirs on quantum Otto cycle performance, providing insights into efficiency and COP optimization under symmetric and asymmetric squeezing conditions.

Findings

Efficiency at maximum power equals Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency under symmetric conditions.

Squeezing degree influences the maximum power and COP, enhancing or inhibiting performance.

Asymmetric squeezing can improve or reduce engine and refrigerator efficiencies.

Abstract

We consider a quantum Otto cycle operating between two squeezed thermal reservoirs. The influences of the squeezing degree on the optimization performance of quantum Otto heat engines and refrigerators are investigated. We demonstrate that under symmetric condition, the efficiency at maximum power (EMP) of heat engines and the coefficient of performance (COP) at maximum \c{hi} criterion of refrigerators are equal to Curzon-Ahlborn (CA) efficiency and CA COP, respectively. We also found that under asymmetric condition, the EMP of heat engines can be improved when the squeezing degree of hot thermal reservoir is greater than that of the cold thermal reservoir, and be reduced or even inhibited in the opposite condition. However, the COP at maximum \c{hi} criterion of refrigerators can be enhanced when the squeezing degree of cold thermal reservoir is greater than that of the hot thermal reservoir, and be reduced or even inhibited in the opposite condition.