Exact bound of power-efficiency trade-off in finite-time thermodynamic cycles

Power and efficiency are fundamental criteria for evaluating the performance of thermodynamic cycles. However, it is generally impossible to maximize both simultaneously. In particular, achieving maximum efficiency inevitably leads to vanishing power as the cycle duration approaches infinity. A quantitative characterization of this trade-off yields significant theoretical and practical implications. In this Letter, we analytically derive an exact bound constraining power and efficiency in low-dissipation finite-time heat engines. This bound specifies the maximum power attainable at any prescribed efficiency, thereby providing a benchmarking for evaluating the performance of heat engines.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physical review. E
Published
2026-01-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/pw37-jjdp
Primary Topic
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Exact bound of power-efficiency trade-off in finite-time thermodynamic cycles

C. P. Sun, Yue Xin, Ruo-Xun Zhai
Physical review. E
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
article

Exact bound of power-efficiency trade-off in finite-time thermodynamic cycles

C. P. Sun, Yue Xin, Ruo-Xun Zhai
article en

Abstract

Power and efficiency are fundamental criteria for evaluating the performance of thermodynamic cycles. However, it is generally impossible to maximize both simultaneously. In particular, achieving maximum efficiency inevitably leads to vanishing power as the cycle duration approaches infinity. A quantitative characterization of this trade-off yields significant theoretical and practical implications. In this Letter, we analytically derive an exact bound constraining power and efficiency in low-dissipation finite-time heat engines. This bound specifies the maximum power attainable at any prescribed efficiency, thereby providing a benchmarking for evaluating the performance of heat engines.

Physical review. EVol. 113(1)
China Academy of Engineering Physics (CN), Beijing Computational Science Research Center (CN), KU Leuven (BE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 99%
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
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Exact bound of power-efficiency trade-off in finite-time thermodynamic cycles — C. P. Sun, Yue Xin, et al. · Physical review. E (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS