Effectiveness of parallel-plate heat exchangers in thermoacoustic devices

Abstract

Measurements are made of the heat transferred between two identical parallel-plate heat exchangers under conditions of oscillating flow over a range of frequencies and amplitudes. The results are analyzed and summarized in terms of heat-exchanger effectiveness, the ratio of the actual heat transfer rate to the maximum possible heat transfer rate. Measured results are compared to the DELTAE model that is often used in the design of conventional thermoacoustic devices, and possible improvements to the model are offered.