Irreversible thermodynamic analysis and application for molecular heat engines

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Lucia U., AÇIKKALP E.

Chemical Physics, vol.494, pp.47-55, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 494
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2017.07.009
  • Journal Name: Chemical Physics
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.47-55
  • Keywords: Finite time thermodynamics, Irreversibility, Molecular heat engines, Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, Quantum constructal law, Quantum heat engine
  • Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2017 Elsevier B.V.Is there a link between the macroscopic approach to irreversibility and microscopic behaviour of the systems? Consumption of free energy keeps the system away from a stable equilibrium. Entropy generation results from the redistribution of energy, momentum, mass and charge. This concept represents the essence of the thermodynamic approach to irreversibility. Irreversibility is the result of the interaction between systems and their environment. The aim of this paper is to determine lost works in a molecular engine and compare results with macro (classical) heat engines. Firstly, irreversible thermodynamics are reviewed for macro and molecular cycles. Secondly, irreversible thermodynamics approaches are applied for a quantum heat engine with -1/2 spin system. Finally, lost works are determined for considered system and results show that macro and molecular heat engines obey same limitations. Moreover, a quantum thermodynamic approach is suggested in order to explain the results previously obtained from an atomic viewpoint.