Optimal Performance Analysis of Feynman’s Microscopic Heat Engine

Abstract

Abstract. The model of a Feynman's microscope heat engine in a one-dimensional lattice is established in this paper. Based on stochastic master equation, the expressions of the current, efficiency and power output of the heat engine are derived analytically. The performance characteristic curves of the power output versus the efficiency are the loop-shaped ones. It shows that the heat engine is irreversible and its efficiency is far less than the Carnot efficiency. Moreover, the influence of the height of barrier and the temperature ratio on the optimal performance of heat engine is analyzed. The heat engine can work at the optimal operation regime by reasonablly choosing the external parameters.