Optimization of thermoacoustic primemover using response surface methodology

Abstract

Abstract Thermoacoustic engines are energy conversion devices that convert thermal energy from a high-temperature heat source into useful work in the form of acoustic power while diverting waste heat into a cold sink; it can be used as a drive for cryocoolers and refrigerators. Though the devices are simple to fabricate, it is very challenging to design an optimized thermoacoustic primemover with better performance. The study presented here aims to optimize the thermoacoustic primemover using response surface methodology. The influence of stack position and its length, resonator length, plate thickness, and plate spacing on pressure amplitude and frequency in a thermoacoustic primemover is investigated in this study. For the desired frequency of 207 Hz, the optimized value of the above parameters suggested by the response surface methodology has been conducted experimentally, and simulations are also performed using DeltaEC. The experimental and simulation results showed similar output performance. Acknowledgment This project is financially supported by the student research fund of the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli, India. N. M. Hariharan is PhD Student. P. Sivashanmugam, PhD, is Professor. S. Kasthurirengan, PhD, is Chairman and Professor.