The efficiency of simple Quantum Engine Stirling and Ericsson cycle

Abstract

The quantum engine cycle serves as an analogous representation of the macroscopic nature of heat engines and the quantum regime of thermal devices composed of a single element. In this work, we follow the formalism of a quantum engine proposed by Bender et al. [1] where they observed quantum Carnot cycle with a single particle of mass m confined to an infinite one-dimensional potential well of width L as a working medium. Using this model, a quantum-mechanical analogue of the Stirling cycle [SC] and Ericsson cycle [EC] have been constructed through changes of both, the width of the well and its quantum state. The efficiency of quantum engines is derived, which is found to be analogous to classical thermodynamic engines. Keywords: Quantum thermodynamics, Quantum mechanics, Ericsson cycle, Stirling cycle, Quantum heat engines, Nano-engines.

11 pages, 2 figures

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