Solar Thermoacoustic Generator

What is a thermoacoustic generator?

A thermoacoustic generator is a device that converts heat energy into acoustic (sound) waves and then into electrical power. It operates on the principles of thermoacoustics, which is a field that explores the interaction between heat and sound within a fluid medium.

How much power does a thermoacoustic generator produce?

An acoustically matched traveling-wave thermoacoustic generator achieving 750 W electric power. Energy 2016; 103: 313–321. 60. Wu Z, Yu G, Zhang L, et al. Development of a 3 kW double-acting thermoacoustic Stirling electric generator. Appl Energy 2014; 136: 866–872.

Does NASA have a thermoacoustic generator?

NASA holds patents on a thermoacoustic generator design: The Stirling Thermoacoustic Power Converter and Magnetostrictive Alternator (LEW-TOPS-80). This proposes a thermoacoustic engine paired with an alternator to generate electricity in space, but NASA has yet to unveil any prototype or specific performance metrics.

What is the most powerful thermoacoustic Stirling generator?

Home » Energy » Breakthrough Thermoacoustic Stirling Generator Converts to Energy With No Moving Parts China has built the most powerful thermoacoustic Stirling generator. The prototype delivered a groundbreaking 102 kilowatts of power from a heat source of 530 degrees Celsius (986 Fahrenheit).

Can a thermoacoustic engine generate electricity in space?

Nasa’s LEW-TOPS-80 patent proposed a thermoacoustic engine paired with an alternator to generate electricity in space. NASA has not shown a prototype. NASA Glenn’s thermoacoustic power converter reshapes the conventional Stirling engine from a toroidal shape into a straight colinear arrangement.

How efficient is a three-stage looped thermoacoustic electric generator?

Bi et al. proposed a three-stage looped thermoacoustic electric generator 13, which achieved the maximum electric power of 4.69 kW with thermal-to-electric efficiency of 15.6% and the maximum thermal-to-electric efficiency of 18.4% with electric power of 3.46 kW, when the heating temperature was 650 °C.