Exergy efficiency optimization of a thermoacoustic engine with a complex heat transfer exponent

Abstract

On the basis of exergetic analysis, the performance analysis and optimization of a generalized irreversible thermoacoustic engine with heat resistance, heat leakage, thermal relaxation and internal dissipation, in which heat transfer between the working fluid and heat reservoirs obeys a complex generalized heat transfer law , where n is a complex, is investigated by taking exergetic efficiency as the optimization objective using finite-time thermodynamics. Both the real part and the imaginary part of the complex heat transfer exponent change the optimal exergy efficiency versus power output relationship. Analytical formulas for the exergy efficiency, power output and thermal efficiency of the thermoacoustic engine are derived. Furthermore, comparative analyses of the influences of various factors on optimal performance of the generalized irreversible thermoacoustic engine are carried out with detailed numerical examples. The optimal zone on the performance of the thermoacoustic engine is obtained by numerical analysis. The results obtained herein can provide some theoretical guidelines for the design of a real thermoacoustic engine.