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Adapted or Adaptable: How to Manage Entropy Production?

Christophe Goupil1, Eric Herbert1

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Thermodynamics reveals that system adaptability depends on boundary conditions, not just inherent properties. Optimal efficiency often means zero power, while robust systems balance performance and flexibility.

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finite time thermodynamicsliving systemsout of equilibrium thermodynamics

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Area of Science:

  • Thermodynamics
  • Non-equilibrium systems
  • Complex systems

Background:

  • Matter and energy conversion is central to physical, biological, and economic systems.
  • Understanding system adaptability requires a thermodynamic framework.
  • Non-equilibrium systems present unique challenges in analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a theoretical framework for system adaptability based on thermodynamics.
  • To investigate the role of boundary conditions in system operation.
  • To analyze operating points like power maximization and efficiency maximization.

Main Methods:

  • Finite time linear thermodynamic approach.
  • Application of Novikov-Curzon-Ahlborn derivation to non-endoreversible systems.
  • Analysis of deterministic behavior in quasi-static regimes.

Main Results:

  • Boundary conditions critically define system operating points and feedback intensity.
  • Intrinsically efficient systems exhibit constrained entropy and dissipation production.
  • Maximizing a system's figure of merit can lead to zero power output.

Conclusions:

  • System adaptability is governed by thermodynamic principles and boundary conditions.
  • Robust systems offer a balance between efficiency, power, and operational range.
  • Degrees of freedom influence entropy production allocation for optimized system performance.