Efficiency at maximum power: An analytically solvable model for stochastic heat engines

Abstract

We study a class of cyclic Brownian heat engines in the framework of finite-time thermodynamics. For infinitely long cycle times, the engine works at the Carnot efficiency limit producing, however, zero power. For the efficiency at maximum power, we find a universal expression, different from the endoreversible Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency. Our results are illustrated with a simple one-dimensional engine working in and with a time-dependent harmonic potential.

6 pages, 3 figures

References in corpus (4)

• Optimal finite-time processes in stochastic thermodynamics
• Exact microscopic analysis of a thermal Brownian motor
• Tight coupling in thermal Brownian motors
• Entropy production for mechanically or chemically driven biomolecules

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