Abstract models for heat engines

TL;DR

This paper reviews three abstract models for heat engines, including classical and finite-time models, and discusses their interrelations and future research directions in finite-time thermodynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a unified framework by retrospectively analyzing three abstract models for heat engines, bridging detailed models and future developments.

Findings

Refined abstract model encompasses detailed finite-time heat engine models

Classical and finite-time models are interconnected within the refined framework

Future research directions are identified based on the refined model

Abstract

We retrospect three abstract models for heat engines which include a classic abstract model in textbook of thermal physics, a primary abstract model for finite-time heat engines, and a refined abstract model for finite-time heat engines. The detailed models of heat engines in literature of finite-time thermodynamics may be mapped into the refined abstract model. The future developments based on the refined abstract model are also surveyed.