The reverse flow and amplification of heat in a quantum-dot system

TL;DR

This paper presents a quantum-dot system capable of reverse heat flow and amplification without external force, with potential applications as a micro/nano cooler, supported by theoretical calculations and performance analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum device that achieves reverse heat flow and amplification through energy level regulation without external driving forces.

Findings

Reverse heat flow can be achieved without external force.

The device can function as a micro/nano cooler.

Optimal parameters for performance are identified.

Abstract

We demonstrate that when a quantum dot is embedded between the two reservoirs described by different statistical distribution functions, the reverse flow and amplification of heat can be realized by regulating the energy levels of the quantum dot and the chemical potentials of two reservoirs. The reverse heat flow and amplification coefficient of the quantum device are calculated. The novelty of this device is that the reverse flow of heat does not need externally driving force and this seemingly paradoxical phenomenon does not violate the laws of thermodynamics. It is further expounded that the quantum device has some practical applications. For example, the device can work as a micro/nano cooler. Moreover, the performance characteristics of the cooler are revealed for different distribution functions. The coefficients of performance of the cooler operated at different conditions are calculated and the optimum selection criteria of key parameters are supplied.