Entropy production and thermodynamic power of the squeezed thermal reservoir.

Macroscopic heat engines have quantum analogues, whose analysis constitute an important branch of research in quantum thermodynamics [1]. Quantum effects can arise in the working substance and environment, and there have been different works in the literature pointing that nonequilibrium quantum reservoirs may be used to increase both power and efficiency of the machines. Nevertheless, a solid understanding of these enhancements and their optimization has remained elusive, as it requires a precise formulation of the second law of thermodynamics in such nonequilibrium situations. Using recent advances in quantum fluctuation theorems [2], we analyze the entropy production and the maximal extractable work from a squeezed thermal reservoir. Our approach allows us to characterize many of the nonequilibrium features that arise, including work extraction from a single reservoir, or a multi-task Otto cycle in which the heat engine may extract work and refrigerate a cold reservoir at the same time [3].


[1] S. Vinjanampathy and J. Anders, Quantum thermodynamics, Contemp. Phys. 57, 1-35 (2016).


[2] G. Manzano, J. M. Horowitz, and J. M. R. Parrondo, Nonequilibrium potential and fluctuation theorems for quantum maps, Phys. Rev. E 92, 032129 (2015).


[3] G. Manzano, F. Galve, R. Zambrini, and J. M. R. Parrondo, Entropy production and thermodynamic power of the squeezed thermal reservoir, Phys. Rev. E 93, 052120 (2016).