Development of a Multi-Stage Configuration for Electricity Generation Using Thermo-Acoustic Approach

Abstract

This work describes the development and assessment of a three-stage thermo-acoustic electricity generator that demonstrate the potential of conversion of waste heat into useful electricity. A three-stage travelling-wave thermo-acoustic system was constructed and tested. The effect of the heat source on the potential of the device to generate electric power is analysed. Theloudspeakerhad used for the acoustic-to-electricity conversion in this research study. The onset temperature difference, the onset time,and the magnitude of the electricity generated has considered as the performance indicators of the device developed. This paper provides details of the experimental investigation that consists of measuring the temperatures, the frequency of the sound-wave, and the acoustic power generated using thermocouples and sound level meter coupled to data acquisition for signal processing and visualization. Electric power supplied to the cartridge heaters at a maximum voltage range of 150 to 190 Volts. The effect of the geometrical configuration of the device concerning acoustic-to-electricity with electricity conversion is analysed. The best geometrical arrangement for generating electricity at the lowest onset temperature difference had identified.The three-stage travelling-wave system generated the highest output voltage of approximately 2.4 V.