Modeling and RSM optimization of standing-wave thermoacoustic refrigerator.

Abstract

Thermoacoustic refrigerators make generally use of acoustic waves to produce the work required to transfer heat from a cold heat exchanger to a hot one. As the crucial part of thermoacoustic refrigerators, the stack geometry and parameters interaction play an important role in determining the cooling performance. In this study, the dynamic mesh model was proposed in the light of the actual working condition of an acoustic driver, and its validity was also verified. Moreover, the structural optimization of the stack to improve the performance of thermoacoustic refrigerator was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the consideration of parameters interaction, the optimized values of stack parameters suggested by RSM have been predicted successfully. Results showed that optimal stack parameters group could realize the best cooling performance. The optimal ratios of stack spacing to stack thickness and stack length to stack position were 3-4 and 0.85-1.05, respectively. Our study provides a new method for modeling and optimizing the thermoacoustic refrigerator, which helps to popularize its application.