Related papers: Energy conversion theorems for some linear steady-…
We present an in-depth analysis of the sometimes understated role of the principle of energy conservation in linear irreversible thermodynamics. Our case study is that of a thermoelectric generator (TEG), which is a heat engine of choice in…
In this paper, we introduce a real symmetric and positive semi-definite matrix, which we call the non-equilibrium conductance matrix, and which generalizes the Onsager response matrix for a system in a non-equilibrium stationary state. We…
We derive the expressions of photon energy and particle currents inside an open nanosystem interacting with light using non-equilibrium Green's functions. The model allows different temperatures for the electron reservoirs, which basically…
Fluctuation theorems impose constraints on the probability of observing negative entropy production in small systems driven out of equilibrium. The range of validity of fluctuation theorems has been extensively tested for transitions…
The objective of this manuscript consists in a critical consideration of the Maximum Entropy Production Principle (MEPP) and an analysis of its corollaries for some (primarily morphological) nonequilibrium phase transitions.
The widely debated feasibility of thermodynamic machines achieving Carnot efficiency at finite power has been convincingly dismissed. Yet, the common wisdom that efficiency can only be optimal in the limit of infinitely-slow processes…
Biological and engineered systems operate by coupling function to the transfer of heat and/or particles down a thermal or chemical gradient. In idealized \textit{deterministically} driven systems, thermodynamic control can be exerted…
The efficiency at maximum power (EMP) of heat engines operating as generators is one corner stone of finite-time thermodynamics, the Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency $\eta_{\rm CA}$ being considered as a universal upper bound. Yet, no valid…
Physical systems that power motion and create structure in a fixed amount of time dissipate energy and produce entropy. Whether living or synthetic, systems performing these dynamic functions must balance dissipation and speed. Here, we…
We develop a method for the construction of the effective potential at high temperatures based on the effective field theory approach and renormalization group. It allows one to sum up the leading logarithms in all orders of perturbation…
We study the efficiency at maximum power of two coupled heat engines, using thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as engines. Assuming that the heat and electric charge fluxes in the TEGs are strongly coupled, we simulate numerically the…
In an essential and quite general setup, based on networks, we identify Schnakenberg's observables as the constraints that prevent a system from relaxing to equilibrium, showing that, in the linear regime, steady states satisfy a minimum…
We report on a numerical experiment performed to analyze fluctuations of the entropy production in turbulent thermal convection, a physical configuration that represents here a prototypical case of an out-of-equilibrium dissipative system.…
Multistable non-equilibrium systems are abundant outcomes of nonlinear dynamics with feedback but still relatively little is known about what determines the stability of the steady states and their switching rates in terms of entropy and…
Thermodynamics of power means applies to an ideal quantum gas which may be nonextensive. Transition to an ideal classical gas occurs when the empirical temperature exponents of the internal energy and absolute temperature coalesce. Limiting…
In this article a classification of some proposed macroscopic entropy production (MEP) principles is given. With the help of simple electrical network models, at least six interesting and most used principles are distinguished: the least…
Cells generally convert external nutrient resources to support metabolismand growth. Understanding the thermodynamic efficiency of this conversion is essential to determine the general characteristics of cellular growth. Using a simple…
We study how to achieve the ultimate power in the simplest, yet non trivial, model of a thermal machine, namely a two-level quantum system coupled to two thermal baths. Without making any prior assumption on the protocol, via optimal…
The total entropy production fluctuations are studied in some exactly solvable models. For these systems, the detailed fluctuation theorem holds even in the transient state, provided initially the system is prepared in thermal equilibrium.…
Exergy represents the maximum useful work possible when a system at a specific state reaches equilibrium with the environmental dead state at temperature To. Correspondingly, the exergy difference between two states is the maximum work…