Effect of regenerator positioning on thermoacoustic effect in a looped tube traveling wave thermoacoustic engine

• Effect of regenerator positioning on thermoacoustic effect is studied.
• Five regenerator positions are tested for temperature behavior.
• Ambient side behavior showed peak in thermoacoustic behavior intensity.
• Hot side behavior showed peak in position matching ambient side.
• An optimum regenerator position relative to the straight portion of the tube is suggested.

This paper discusses the effect of regenerator positioning on the intensity of the thermoacoustic effect in a looped-tube traveling wave thermoacoustic engine (TAE). Traveling wave thermoacoustic engines work on the principle of the acoustic wave moving through the loop of the engine, across the regenerator, with the pressure and velocity curves in phase, amplifying the acoustic effect. Increasing the intensity of the effect, while keeping the energy input the same increases the efficiency of the TAE, and can be further applied in a thermoacoustic refrigeration system to increase the COP. The intensity of the effect in relation to the positioning of the regenerator, also called a stack in standing wave devices, is proven here to have an optimum positioning inside of the straight part of the loop. The increase in intensity under constant heat input proves an increase in efficiency.