Optimization of heat exchanger design in a thermoacoustic engine using a second law analysis

Journal Article · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0735-1933(96)00018-8· OSTI ID:242204

Ishikawa, H; Hobson, P A ^[1]

---

1. Univ. of Queensland, St. Lucia (Australia). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

An analysis for the time averaged entropy generation due to both flow and heat transfer losses in the heat exchangers of a thermoacoustic engine has been developed. An expression for the optimum dimensionless heat exchanger area corresponding to minimum entropy generation has been determined in terms of three other dimensionless parameters. Optimum heat exchanger areas were calculated for three thermoacoustic devices. For the prime mover components of the thermoacoustic devices investigated where the temperature differences across the regenerator stacks were high, the analysis developed indicated that the heat exchanger at the hot end of the regenerator stack should be smaller than that at the cold end.

• OSTI ID: 242204
• Journal Information: International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, Journal Name: International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 23; ISSN 0735-1933; ISSN IHMTDL
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
42 ENGINEERING
ACOUSTIC HEATING
DESIGN
HEAT ENGINES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
REFRIGERATING MACHINERY