Autonomous Circular Heat Engine

TL;DR

This paper introduces a dynamical model of a highly efficient autonomous heat engine that can theoretically reach Carnot efficiency without frictional losses, using a particle circuit driven by a temperature difference.

Contribution

It proposes a novel dynamical model of a heat engine with asymmetric channels capable of achieving Carnot efficiency in the thermodynamic limit.

Findings

Numerical simulations support the model's efficiency claims.

Linear-response analysis confirms potential for Carnot efficiency.

The model operates without frictional losses, enhancing theoretical efficiency.

Abstract

A dynamical model of a highly efficient heat engine is proposed, where an applied temperature difference maintains the motion of particles around the circuit consisting of two asymmetric narrow channels, in one of which the current flows against the applied thermodynamic forces. Numerical simulations and linear-response analysis suggest that, in the absence of frictional losses, the Carnot efficiency can be achieved in the thermodynamic limit.