A loop-tube type thermoacoustic cooling system for a particle use : Study on temperature gradient of stack

Recently, global warming is problem. Therefore a thermoacoustic cooling system is focused as one of technique to cure this problem. The thermoacoustic cooling system has a number of advantages but is not achieved the practical use of. Low energy conversion efficiency of thermoacoustic cooling system is pointed as a cause for fall short of the practical use of it. Improvement of energy conversion efficiency of thermoacoustic prime mover is required for practical application of the thermoacoustic cooling system. The purpose of our work is to understand condition of the prime mover used, toward the development of the prime mover. The purpose of this paper is to report on our work. Temperature gradient within a stack of prime mover is very fundamental to thermoacoustic phenomenon. Consequently, we measured temperature gradient within the stack of prime mover and considered by temperature gradient. We calculated heat flux and heat exchange area by experimental results because those parameters are needed for our work. As results, it was regarded that over 90 percent of input heat energy is loss energy that is not contributed to thermoacoustic phenomenon. In addition, it was confirmed that heat exchange area in top of the stack of prime mover do not quite exist and heat exchange do not generate in top of the stack of prime mover. In conclusion, it is recommended that the stack of prime mover be still improved for gaining high energy conversion efficiency. In blunt terms, it is important that top of the stack of prime mover processed with metal of good thermal conductivity. For an example, top of the stack of prime mover is plated with metal. Furthermore, top of the stack of prime mover is expanded flow channel.