Measurements with reticulated vitreous carbon stacks in thermoacoustic prime movers and refrigerators

Abstract

Reticulated vitreous carbon has been successfully used as a stack material in thermoacoustic prime movers and refrigerators. It is a rigid glassy carbon material, with a porous spongelike structure. Test results indicate peak pressure amplitudes of up to 32% in a prime mover, and refrigeration performance comparable to that of a traditional plastic roll stack.