The performance analysis of a Wood-Saxon driven Quantum-Mechanical Carnot Engine

Abstract

Classical heat engines (CHEs) have long been employed to convert heat energy into mechanical work through various thermodynamic processes. However, limitations such as friction have driven the exploration of quantum heat engines (QHEs), which operate in the quantum domain and are less susceptible to classical constraints. In this study, we focus on Quantum Heat Engines powered by the Wood-Saxon (WS) oscillator, a model originally developed for nuclear physics but recently applied to quantum systems. Building upon previous work on the efficiency of a WS-powered Carnot engine, we further investigate its performance optimization. We derive expressions for the dimensionless power output and explore the optimization of power output and efficiency. Through mathematical analysis, we determine the optimal parameters for maximum power output, considering the condition for non-negativity of efficiency. The dimensionless power output is found to depend on the efficiency, which varies with the characteristics of the working substance. Our results show that the Wood-Saxon model outperforms the Free Particle model in terms of maximum power efficiency for Quantum Carnot engines. The efficiency at maximum power for the WS-powered engine is 0.739, indicating its superiority over the Free Particle model. This analysis provides insights into the performance characteristics of quantum heat engines and underscores the significance of the choice of working substance in optimizing engine efficiency.