Efficiency, power, and period at two optimum operations of a thermoelectric single-level quantum dot.

We take a single-level quantum dot embedded between two metallic leads at different temperatures and chemical potentials which works as a heat engine. Two optimization criteria were used and their corresponding optimized efficiencies, powers, and periods evaluated. A comparison between similar quantities of the two optimization criteria reveals mixed advantages and disadvantages. We quantify the engine's overall performance by suggesting a figure of merit that takes into account the contribution of each of the three quantities. Based on the proposed figure of merit, one of the optimization criterion presents a clear advantage. This same criterion is found to be invariably advantageous when applied to three other representative models.