Topological quantum thermocouple

The thermoelectric properties of an open quantum system consisting of two quantum dots coupled to three macroscopic electron reservoirs are investigated. The heat and charge currents are shown to be topologically reshaped by the Aharonov-Bohm effect. The optimal parameters for the maximum cooling of a probe are studied. An exploration of persistent currents present in the system is discussed and contrasted with classical thermodynamics and an apparent paradox involving persistent Peltier cooling in equilibrium is resolved by a rigorous treatment of heat flow at the quantum level.