Linking Optimization Success and Stability of Finite-Time Thermodynamics Heat Engines.

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Non-equilibrium systems
• Complex systems

Background:

• The endoreversible Carnot-like heat engine is a model for studying thermodynamic processes with irreversibilities.
• Understanding the stability of these engines is crucial for optimizing their performance and predicting their behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To connect the thermodynamic success of irreversible Carnot-like heat engines with their stability dynamics.
• To investigate how stability influences the operational regimes and performance of these engines.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the "region of success" defined by reversible and dissipative limits.
• Proposal of a general stability dynamics based on the endoreversible model.
• Consideration of maximum ecological and maximum Omega operational regimes.

Main Results:

• The distance between extremal configurations is minimized at half Carnot efficiency.
• Stability dynamics rapidly directs the system towards the success region under single perturbations.
• The system remains within the success region under random perturbations, contrasting with systems lacking restitution dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Stability dynamics are essential for maintaining engine performance within the success region.
• Stability enables systems to evolve towards states that enhance performance, relevant for natural and artificial systems.
• The findings highlight the interplay between thermodynamics and stability in complex systems.