Simulation of Close-Open Standing Wave Thermoacoustic Engine Toward Variation of Resonator Diameter

Abstract

Thermoacoustic engine is a promising device for converting heat to electrical power. Obtaining a higher performance of thermo acoustic engine remains a challenging effort before applying widely in industrial implementation. This study aims to investigate the performance of thermo acoustic engine in variation of resonator diameter. The study consist of three main subjects, namely establishing of the simulation model, validation and then used for predicting of the performance on variation of resonator diameter. The model simulation was established using DeltaEC freeware. For validation purposes, the simulation was conducted on similar geometrical configuration with that on the experimental set up. The resonator diameter was straight, tubular shape with inside diameter of 52 mm. The simulation is then enhanced to predict the thermo acoustic performance on varied resonator diameter of 27 mm, 41 mm, 78 mm and 90 mm. Results revealed that the simulation of thermo acoustic engine with 52 mm diameter generated acoustic power of 20,.737 watts. On the validation, this power has a deviation of 9% with that on the experimental data. Performance simulation showed that the acoustic power are generated at 19.454 watt, 20.528 watt, 20.812 watt and 20.858 watt, for 27 mm, 41 mm, 78 mm and 90 m resonator diameter, respectively.