Achieve Higher Efficiency at Maximum Power with Finite-time Quantum Otto Cycle

Abstract

The optimization of finite-time thermodynamic heat engines was intensively explored recently, yet limited to few cycles, e.g. finite-time Carnot-like cycle. In this paper, we supplement a new type of finite-time engine with quantum Otto cycle and show the better performance. The current model can be widely utilized benefited from the general \mathcal{C}/τ^{2} scaling of extra work for finite-time adiabatic process with long control time τ. Such scaling allows analytical optimization of the generic finite-time quantum Otto cycle to surpass the efficiency at maximum power for the Carnot-like engine. We apply the current perturbation method to the quantum piston model and calculate the efficiency at maximum power, which is validated with exact solution.

14 pages, 10 figures