Nanocoolers
arXiv:1107.5421 · doi:10.1088/1742-5468/2011/10/P10026
Abstract
We present a simple kinematic model of a non-equilibrium steady state device, which can operate either as a heat engine or as a refrigerator. The model is composed of two or more scattering channels where the motion is fully described by deterministic classical dynamics, which connect a pair of stochastic (infinite) heat and particle baths at unequal temperatures. We discuss precise kinematic conditions under which our model may approach Carnot's optimal efficiency in different situations.
21 pages, 9 figures