Universality of efficiency at maximum power Macroscopic manifestation of microscopic constraints

Abstract

Universal properties of efficiency at maximum power are investigated in a general setting. In particular, it is demonstrated how successive symmetries placed upon the dynamics manifest themselves at the macroscopic level. A general condition is derived under which thermodynamic devices are able to attain a reversible operation. This article is supplemented with comments by M. Moreau and Y. Pomeau.