An Alternative Thermoacoustic Energy Source for Power Supply to Autonomous Consumers

The article deals with the issue of developing a cogeneration alternative energy source of thermoacoustic type for energy supply to autonomous consumers. An analytical review of the achievements in the global energy sector has been performed. The sources study extensive experience in using the Stirling engine as an alternative low-power energy source for autonomous power supply in cogeneration systems. Due to a number of its advantages, this approach has a great potential for developing energy sources capable of comprehensive production of both electrical and thermal energy with a higher efficiency than modern thermal power plants. The proposed microthermal power plant is based on the principles of the Stirling engine, but it uses the most efficient and promising thermoacoustic heat converter into mechanical vibrations that are then converted into electric current. The laboratory sample has been successfully tested, as a result of which the physical patterns of the main parameters have been identified. Particular attention is paid to the effect of pressure and temperature of the working fluid on the operating efficiency of the thermoacoustic engine. The authors have presented mathematical tools that explain the basic principles of the proposed thermoacoustic engine operation. Another difference is the presence of an additional regenerator on the side of the hot heat exchanger. This allows reducing heat losses in the resonator and increasing the efficiency from 4 to 6%. The proposed use of a steam-air mixture as a working one makes it possible to increase the operating pressure and to ensure effective operation at the temperature of 300 °C. The design and the layout of a laboratory sample of the microthermal power plant are described. The advantages of using dry saturated steam as a working fluid are substantiated, which helps to increase the generated power of the thermoacoustic engine.