Thermodynamics of Information
Abstract
This working paper explores the energetic costs of information processing, proposing the hypothesis that the energy required scales with the amount of information processed and is moderated by the efficiency of the processing mechanism. Building on established principles in the thermodynamics of computation (Landauer, 1961; Bennett, 1982; Parrondo et al., 2015), the paper presents a conceptual framework treating information as a physical quantity, supported by a simple numerical simulation as proof of concept. Potential implications for computational systems, large-scale data centers, and energy-efficient information processing are discussed. The work aims to provide a foundation for further theoretical and practical exploration of energy-aware computation and efficiency-driven system design.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Energy Efficiency in Computing
Computability
Logic
AI Algorithms
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026