Thermodynamics of feedback controlled systems

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Information Theory
• Control Systems

Background:

• Feedback controlled systems are crucial in various scientific domains.
• Understanding the thermodynamics of these systems, particularly Maxwell's demons, requires quantifying entropy reduction.
• Previous work lacked a comprehensive analysis of entropy reduction due to controller operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compute the entropy reduction in feedback controlled systems resulting from controller operation.
• To establish a thermodynamic framework for feedback controlled systems.
• To derive the maximum work extractable from isothermal feedback controlled systems.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical computation of entropy reduction in feedback controlled systems.
• Derivation of general results for thermodynamic analysis.
• Case study of an isothermal information-fueled particle pumping system.

Main Results:

• Quantified the entropy reduction due to repeated controller operation.
• Established a missing thermodynamic link for feedback controlled systems.
• Derived the maximum work extractable from isothermal feedback controlled systems.

Conclusions:

• The computed entropy reduction provides a foundational element for feedback control thermodynamics.
• The findings offer insights into the operation and limitations of Maxwell's demons.
• The study demonstrates practical applications in information-fueled engines and particle pumps.