Design and optimization of a heat driven thermoacoustic refrigerator

• Design and optimization of a heat driven thermoacoustic refrigerator is investigated.
• A simplified model is developed.
• The model can explain the previous observations very well.
• The most important parameters are investigated and discussed.

The present paper deals with the design and optimization of a heat driven thermoacoustic refrigerator. A simplified model is developed which enables to pinpoint and examine the most important physical characteristics of a compact traveling wave thermoacoustic refrigerator driven by a traveling wave thermoacoustic engine. The model can explain the so-called traveling standing wave effect in thermoacoustics very well. The position, length and hydraulic radius of the refrigerator are optimized for the maximum total COP. The prime mover efficiency, refrigerator COP and dimensionless dissipation and their impacts on total COP are investigated and discussed. The results indicate that a COP of 28.7% at TRF,cold = 273 K is achievable.