Ergotropy and Work Extraction in Quantum Heat Engines via Quantum Channels

TL;DR

This paper analyzes quantum heat engines using qubits and qutrits interacting with thermal environments via quantum channels, focusing on work extraction, quantum correlations, and ergotropy under dissipative dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for modeling heat absorption and work extraction in quantum engines through quantum channels, highlighting the advantages of multilevel systems.

Findings

Multilevel quantum systems show enhanced work extraction capabilities.

Environmental effects significantly influence maximum extractable work.

Quantum correlations impact the thermodynamic performance of quantum engines.

Abstract

This paper explores quantum heat engines based on qubit and qutrit working media interacting with thermal environments through generalized amplitude damping (GAD) channels. We investigate how quantum channels can be employed to model heat absorption, dissipation, and work extraction in open quantum thermal machines, and derive the conditions required for positive work extraction. The effects of quantum correlations, emission probability, population redistribution, and system--environment interactions on the thermodynamic performance of the engine are systematically analyzed across different operational regimes. In addition, we examine the ergotropy of qubit and qutrit systems under dissipative dynamics to understand how environmental effects influence the maximum extractable work. Our results demonstrate that multilevel quantum systems exhibit enhanced work extraction capability and improved robustness against decoherence compared to two-level systems, providing further insight into the role of dissipative dynamics and quantum resources in realistic quantum thermodynamic devices.