Efficiency statistics of a quantum Otto cycle

TL;DR

This paper introduces a finite, well-defined stochastic efficiency for quantum Otto cycles, analyzes its fluctuations, and explores its implications for micro-machine optimization, including the probability of surpassing Carnot efficiency.

Contribution

It proposes a new definition of stochastic efficiency that remains finite and analyzes its statistical properties in quantum Otto engines, extending fluctuation theorems and uncertainty relations.

Findings

The new efficiency measure is always finite and matches the conventional efficiency on average.

The probability of efficiency exceeding Carnot efficiency is explicitly derived.

The thermodynamic uncertainty relation for efficiency holds in quantum Otto engines.

Abstract

The stochastic efficiency [G. Verley et al., Nat. Commun. 5, 4721 (2014)] was introduced to evaluate the performance of energy-conversion machines in micro-scale. However, such an efficiency generally diverges when no heat is absorbed while work is produced in a thermodynamic cycle. As a result, any statistical moments of the efficiency do not exist. In this study, we come up with a different version of the definition for the stochastic efficiency which is always finite. Its mean value is equal to the conventional efficiency, and higher moments characterize the fluctuations of the cycle. In addition, the fluctuation theorems are re-expressed via the efficiency. For working substance satisfying the equipartition theorem, we clarify that the thermodynamic uncertainty relation for efficiency is valid in an Otto engine. To demonstrate our general discussions, the efficiency statistics of a quantum harmonic-oscillator Otto engine is systematically investigated. The probability that the stochastic efficiency surpasses the Carnot efficiency is explicitly obtained. This work may shed new insight for optimizing micro-machines with fluctuations.