Performance measurements on a thermoacoustic refrigerator driven at high amplitudes

Thermal modeling and performance analysis of a thermoacoustic refrigerator.

A heat-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator has been designed and tested. A detailed thermal model of the device is presented. Energy balances within the system are discussed using external, heat exchanger, and stack control volumes in order to clarify the relationships of work and heat fluxes below and above onset. Thermal modeling is discussed as a tool for performance analysis as well as for d...

Optimization of thermoacoustic engine driven thermoacoustic refrigerator using response surface methodology

Thermoacoustic engines (TAEs) are devices which convert heat energy into useful acoustic work whereas thermoacoustic refrigerators (TARs) convert acoustic work into temperature gradient. These devices work without any moving component. Study presented here comprises of a combination system i.e. thermoacoustic engine driven thermoacoustic refrigerator (TADTAR). This system has no moving componen...

Optimizing the Design of a Thermoacoustic Refrigerator

Nonperiodicity of the flow within the gap of a thermoacoustic couple at high amplitudes.

The flow inside a thermoacoustic couple is investigated experimentally using particle image velocimetry. Measurements show the oscillation of the shear layers flowing out of a single stack, thus forming an asymmetric vortex street at high driving amplitudes. Development of vortices is also observed within the gap of a thermoacoustic couple. It causes the flow not to repeat from one acoustic per...

The Reality of a Small Household Thermoacoustic Refrigerator

This paper discusses the thermoacoustic refrigeration cycle and how it can be applied to real world uses, particularly its use in household refrigeration systems. The commercial viability of this technology is determined by comparing it to a vapour compression system. The paper has two goals: to determine practical applications where thermoacoustic refrigeration may prove a strong rival to curr...