A high frequency, power, and efficiency diaphragm acoustic-to-electric transducer for thermoacoustic engines and refrigerators.

Abstract

A high frequency, power, and efficiency diaphragm transducer is described for use with thermoacoustic engines and refrigerators. It uses a tube acting in compression and extension as the primary spring so that the mechanical resonant frequency is around 500 Hz. A high-frequency transducer results in more compact and higher power density thermoacoustic engines, refrigerators, and heat pumps. The tube spring furthermore constitutes a part of the pressure vessel so that the alternator is outside the pressure vessel, thereby simplifying transducer construction and reducing mass. The hermetically sealed transducer operates entirely without wear or lubricants, leading to a long maintenance-free lifetime. We present in situ efficiency measurement results at the full power operating frequency and temperature of the transducer. Despite the high operating frequency, the transducer efficiency is better than that of other transducers previously used in thermoacoustic systems. Accelerated fatigue test results on tube spring coupons justify the long-life claims. The exceptional stiffness of the primary spring in this transducer leads to the unusual need to consider stretch in additional transducer structural components. We present a multi-mass, lumped-element, coupled oscillator model of the transducer and discuss thermoacoustic system design using this model.