Thermoacoustic converters

Overview

ABSTRACT

Over the last few years, research within the field of thermoacoustics has taken two distinct directions i.e. the phenomenon of thermal amplification of an acoustic wave and the cooling process via pulsed gas tubes operated by various mechanical systems. Suppressing all mobile parts by activating a thermoacoustic cooler through a thermoacoustic engine remains very attractive. The technological choice then lies in the usage of progressive or stationary waves. Much work has been conducted in order to bring the thermoacoustic systems to the same efficiency level as that of more traditional energy convertors. This article presents the various models of theoretical modeling derived from such studies, as well as certain achievements.

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AUTHOR

Philippe NIKA: Professor, University of Franche-Comté, CNRS

INTRODUCTION

Basic notions of acoustic waves and a description of thermoacoustic effects can be found in the article [BE 8 060] "Thermoacoustic converters. Thermoacoustic effect". The articles [BE 8 061] , "Thermoacoustic converters. Thermoacoustic motors and coolers" or [BE 8 062] "Thermoacoustic converters. Dimensioning" deal separately with motors and generators. Surprisingly, over the past few years, research in the field of thermoacoustics has focused in two distinct directions: either on the study of the phenomenon of "thermal" amplification of an acoustic wave, or on cooling using pulsed gas tubes driven by various mechanical systems. The idea of eliminating all moving mechanical parts by activating a thermoacoustic cooler via a thermoacoustic motor is an attractive one. The technological choice then lies in the use of travelling or standing waves in each of the two machines. This article describes research carried out in numerous laboratories around the world, aimed at bringing thermoacoustic systems up to the same level of efficiency as more conventional energy converters.