The demand for clean, sustainable, and cost-effective energy continues to increase due to global population growth and  
corresponding use of consumer products. The provision of heat to a thermoacoustic prime mover results in the generation of an acoustic wave that can be converted into electrical power. Thermoacoustic devices offer highly reliable and transportable  
power generation with low environmental impact using a variety of fuel sources. This paper focuses on the design and testing of a single stage, traveling wave, thermoacoustic engine. The system configuration, component design, and integration of sensors will be described. Using a computer aided design tool, various designs have been considered and analyzed to identify component size and location for optimum power generation. An experimental system has been constructed and extensively tested in the laboratory to demonstrate the power generation capabilities of the apparatus. Performance testing and system analysis shows that for a 300 W heat source, the thermoacoustic machine generates a 54 Hz acoustic wave with a thermal efficiency of 7.8%. The system’s acoustic power output maybe increased by 84% through improved heat exchanger design. Tuning of the acoustic system and optimization of the bi-directional turbine merit attention to realize an applicable waste heat energy harvesting system.


A Traveling Wave Thermoacoustic Engine - Design and Test

Division / Sponsors: 
Dynamic Systems & Control (DSCD)

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/DSCC/DSCC2020/volume/84270

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