Discrete systems in thermal physics and engineering: a glance from non-equilibrium thermodynamics

Abstract Non-equilibrium processes in Schottky systems generate by projection onto the equilibrium subspace reversible accompanying for which non-equilibrium variables are functions of ones. The embedding theorem guarantees compatibility with entropy is proved. defined as a state function on space containing contact temperature variable. If production does not depend internal energy, changes into thermostatic also non-equilibrium, fact allows to use primitive concept non-equilibrium. dissipation inequality revisited, and an efficiency generalized cyclic beyond Carnot process achieved.