Stack Optimization of Thermoacoustic Refrigerator

Abstract

The performance of the thermoacoustic refrigerator depends upon a very large number of parameters, and hence the components are optimized using linear thermoacoustic theory to restrict the number of variables by dimensionless normalization technique. Since the stack is considered as the heart of the thermoacoustic refrigerator, the stack design parameters are the most signifi cant parameters for the optimal overall performance. The stack optimization result shows that a decrease in stack length and center position from the loud speaker increases stack performance. Determination of optimum stack length and center position helps in designing the refrigerator and to provide adequate space for instrumentation in practical work. The cross-sectional area of the stack and hence the stack diameter is calculated for the required cooling load capacity which is considered as the basic parameter on which the design of other components depends. The effect of mean temperature of the gas has not received attention in the literature and hence the performance of the stack at higher mean temperature of the gas is theoretically evaluated. The improvement in the stack coeffi cient of performance COPS is reported compared to published experimental optimization studies at the design conditions considered in this paper, and the results are in good agreement with past established work.