Identifying optimal cycles in quantum thermal machines with reinforcement-learning

The optimal control of open quantum systems is a challenging task but has a key role in improving existing quantum information processing technologies. We introduce a general framework based on reinforcement learning to discover optimal thermodynamic cycles that maximize the power of out-of-equilibrium quantum heat engines and refrigerators. We apply our method, based on the soft actor-critic algorithm, to three systems: a benchmark two-level system heat engine, where we find the optimal known cycle; an experimentally realistic refrigerator based on a superconducting qubit that generates coherence, where we find a non-intuitive control sequence that outperforms previous cycles proposed in literature; a heat engine based on a quantum harmonic oscillator, where we find a cycle with an elaborate structure that outperforms the optimized Otto cycle. We then evaluate the corresponding efficiency at maximum power.

Influence of Indefinite Causal Order on Otto Heat Engine

Quantum effect plays important roles in quantum thermodynamics, and recently the application of indefinite causal order to quantum thermodynamics has attracted much attentions. Based on two trapped ions, we propose a scheme to add an indefinite causal order to the isochoric cooling stroke of Otto engine through reservoir engineering. Then, we observe that the quasi-static efficiency of this heat engine is far beyond the efficiency of a normal Otto heat engine and may reach 1. When the power is its maximum, the efficiency is also much higher than that of a normal Otto heat engine. This enhancement may origin from the non-equilibrium of reservoir and the measurement on control qubit.

INVALIDITY OF ISOTHERMAL ANALYSIS IN ESTIMATING THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF STIRLING ENGINE AND CRYOCOOLER

The Stirling engine is an external heat engine, which is considered as the best option for extracting work from concentrated solar power applications. The most prominent characteristics of the engine are low noise, vibration, and emissions besides reflexivity of usage with any kind of heat source such as solar, biomass, industrial heat, etc. In the present paper, the STE-1008 gamma-type Stirling engine had been analyzed by using an isothermal model to demonstrate the failure of the model in analyzing the STE-1008 considering it firstly as an engine and secondly as a cryocooler. The energy equation had been used to demonstrate the disability of the isothermal model in achieving a successful thermal analysis for engine performance. In addition, a MATLAB code had been developed to check the credibility of the isothermal model in the estimation of the engine thermal parameters. The findings of the isothermal analysis revealed that the heat exchangers are unnecessary. But, in reality; all the necessary heat transfer occur within the heat exchangers rather than in the working space boundaries. Therefore, that is invalid conclusion. However, Schmidt's theory is capable of capturing the essential engine features superbly. In particular, it is capable of capturing the fundamental interplay between the mechanically restricted movement of the engine components as well as the thermodynamic cycle which is obtained from this theory.

Heat to Hydrogen by RED—Reviewing Membranes and Salts for the RED Heat Engine Concept

The Reverse electrodialysis heat engine (REDHE) combines a reverse electrodialysis stack for power generation with a thermal regeneration unit to restore the concentration difference of the salt solutions. Current approaches for converting low-temperature waste heat to electricity with REDHE have not yielded conversion efficiencies and profits that would allow for the industrialization of the technology. This review explores the concept of Heat-to-Hydrogen with REDHEs and maps crucial developments toward industrialization. We discuss current advances in membrane development that are vital for the breakthrough of the RED Heat Engine. In addition, the choice of salt is a crucial factor that has not received enough attention in the field. Based on ion properties relevant for both the transport through IEMs and the feasibility for regeneration, we pinpoint the most promising salts for use in REDHE, which we find to be KNO3, LiNO3, LiBr and LiCl. To further validate these results and compare the system performance with different salts, there is a demand for a comprehensive thermodynamic model of the REDHE that considers all its units. Guided by such a model, experimental studies can be designed to utilize the most favorable process conditions (e.g., salt solutions).

Application of project-based teaching method in teaching the heat engine

Project-based teaching is an important form of teaching to implement the modern teaching perspective such as learner orientation, action orientation, and problem solving teaching and integrated teaching perspective. The more developed science and technology, teaching methods in the field of engineering (technical pedagogy) are also increasingly rich, diverse and sophisticated. Content of this article presented on the application of project-based teaching method to teach for subject of the “heat engine” of technical university. The initial results showed that this teaching method has been promoting a positive, creative and create excitement for learners in the learning process. This method should be further studied and applied much more in practice teaching in the colleges and universities.