January 31st, 2011

The pressure thermoacoustic generator has been assembled. First test shows an oscillating frequency of 120 Hz. Onset temperature was found to be 80^oC. This was higher than expected and indicate additional acoustic loss which was caused by improper rounding of the transition form; the feedback tubes to the heat exchanger chambers. After modification and some adaptations of the internal  distribution blocks which formed the guidance volume to the fins, smoothening of the rounding’s and changing of the mesh porosity, this was reduced to 70^oC which is close to the calculated value  of 65^oC.  The system will be operating then according to the designed parameters.

 

First the system will be tested with so called acoustic dummy loads connected to each stage to check the acoustic output power.  When the system is fine tuned thermo acoustically the linear generators can be attached. This will take place in January. The hope is to then have a strong system producing at least 50 Watt electrically.