A study for applying lower temperature heat source to loop-tube thermoacoustic cooling system

Abstract

To realize the generation of self-sustained sound in lower temperature heat source, a 5-μm in thickness rubber membrane was applied in the loop-tube thermoacoustic cooling system. It is known that the existence of dc flow acts as the negative effect for the loop-tube. The membrane reduces a loss of thermal energy supplied to the prime mover by suppressing the dc flow. So it is considered that lower temperature difference between both the edges of the stack can be realized by using presented system. The locating position of the membrane was moved, and then the temperature differences of the stack were observed. The experiments were carried out on the condition that the thermal energy supplied to the prime mover was constant. It was found that the temperature difference is affected by the position of the membrane. When the membrane was set at the approximate antinode of pressure, the lowest temperature difference was realized. In this condition, the temperature difference with the membrane was 430 K, which was 160 K lower than without the membrane. These results suggest that a lower temperature heat source can be available by setting the membrane on the loop-tube thermoacoustic cooling system.