Optimal performance of a spin quantum Carnot heat engine with multi-irreversibilities

Abstract By using quantum master equation, semi-group approach and finite time thermodynamics (FTT), this paper derives the expressions of cycle period, power and efficiency of an irreversible quantum Carnot heat engine with irreversibilities of heat resistance, internal friction and bypass heat leakage, and provides detailed numerical examples. The irreversible quantum Carnot heat engine uses working medium consisting of many non-interacting spin-1/2 systems and its cycle is composed of two isothermal processes and two irreversible adiabatic processes. The optimal performance of the quantum heat engine at high temperature limit is deduced and analyzed by numerical examples. Effects of internal friction and bypass heat leakage on the optimal performance are discussed. The endoreversible case, frictionless case and the case without bypass heat leakage are also briefly discussed.