Quantum limit to nonequilibrium heat-engine performance imposed by strong system-reservoir coupling

Abstract

We show that finite system-reservoir coupling imposes a distinct quantum limit on the performance of a non-equilibrium quantum heat engine. Even in the absence of quantum friction along the isentropic strokes, finite system-reservoir coupling induces correlations that result in the generation of coherence between the energy eigenstates of the working system. This coherence acts to hamper the engine's power output, as well as the efficiency with which it can convert heat into useful work, and cannot be captured by a standard Born-Markov analysis of the system-reservoir interactions.