  We investigate quantum transport and thermoelectrical properties of a
finite-size Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, a paradigmatic model for a
one-dimensional topological insulator, which displays topologically protected
edge states. By coupling the model to two fermionic reservoirs at its ends, we
can explore the non-equilibrium dynamics of the system. Investigating the
energy-resolved transmission, the current and the noise, we find that these
observables can be used to detect the topologically non-trivial phase. With
specific parameters and asymmetric reservoir coupling strengths, we show that
we can dissipatively prepare the edge states as stationary states of a
non-equilibrium configuration. In addition, we point out that the edge states
can be exploited to design a refrigerator driven by chemical work or a heat
engine driven by a thermal gradient, respectively. These thermal devices do not
require asymmetric couplings and are topologically protected against
symmetry-preserving perturbations. Their maximum efficiencies significantly
exceed that of a single quantum dot device at comparable coupling strengths.
