Design, construction and experimental observation of a thermoacoustic prime mover

Design, construction and experimental observation of a thermoacoustic prime mover

Jacobs, J.G.B.

Boersma, B.J. (mentor)

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Process and Energy

Sustainable Process and Energy Technologies

2014-12-19

In this study a thermoacoustic single stage engine configuration is compared to a double stage engine configuration with regard to onset temperature, power density and efficiency. A thermoacoustic prime mover was designed and build using air at 1 atmosphere as a working fluid. The ceramic regenerators were heated using electricity and cooled using cooling water. Pressure and temperature measurements are done at several locations in the engine. It has been shown that acoustic energy can be converted into electric power with the use of a linear alternator. It has also been shown that the double stage engine operates at a lower working temperature. It produces more electric power and thus obtains a higher power density than the single stage thermoacoustic engine. Measurements show the onset temperature of the single and double stage engine are respectively 303 °C and 267 °C. However, 2nd law efficiencies for single stage configuration are at least 34% higher than efficiencies for double stage configuration. An electric output power of 0.79 W is realized at an overall efficiency of 0.28%.

thermoacoustics

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:a1dec8fa-c401-4351-9100-0efb74a980f1

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2014 Jacobs, J.G.B.