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Low temperature difference thermoacoustic prime mover with asymmetric multi-stage loop configuration.
1Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics/Key Laboratory of Refrigeration and Cryogenic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China. jintao@zju.edu.cn.
Scientific Reports
|August 11, 2017
Summary
This study introduces multi-stage looped thermoacoustic prime movers for efficient low-grade heat recovery. These devices achieve oscillation at a low 17°C temperature difference, demonstrating potential for energy generation.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Acoustics
- Energy Recovery
Background:
- Low-grade heat sources are abundant but difficult to utilize.
- Thermoacoustic technology offers a promising solution for efficient energy conversion.
- Developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly heat recovery systems is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and experimentally investigate multi-stage looped thermoacoustic prime movers.
- To achieve efficient recovery of low-grade heat into usable energy.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of acoustic-to-electric energy conversion.
Main Methods:
- Design and construction of multi-stage looped thermoacoustic prime movers with asymmetric configuration.
- Experimental study of device performance with varying stages and working fluids (CO2).
- Measurement of onset temperature difference and testing of an integrated electric generator.
Main Results:
- The proposed looped thermoacoustic prime movers can oscillate with a low onset temperature difference as low as 17°C.
- This low temperature difference was achieved with both three-stage and four-stage configurations using CO2 at 1-1.5 MPa.
- Successful demonstration of an electric generator driven by a thermoacoustic prime mover at low heating temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Multi-stage looped thermoacoustic prime movers are effective for low-grade heat recovery.
- The technology shows potential for efficient and low-cost energy generation.
- Further development could lead to practical applications in waste heat utilization.
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