Numerical Evaluation of the Thermoacoustic Heat Transfer Under Magnetic Field Influence

Thermoacoustic engines could become a promising avenue for sustainable energy conversion; yet, their efficiency is often limited largely by the performance of their heat exchangers. Previous research has primarily focused on conventional heat transfer mechanisms; but the integration of ferrofluid exposed to magnetic fields may result in a novel approach to enhance heat exchanger efficiency. In this study, we investigate the impact of thermomagnetic effects on the heat transfer performance in single tube thermoacoustic heat exchangers using a numerical approach. A CFD model is developed taking into account magnetohydrodynamics aspects, in order to evaluate the effects of arbitrary static magnetic field in the heat transfer processes due to the corresponding variations in ferrofluid thermoviscous properties. The model incorporates some aspects of the interaction between the external acoustic-driven airflow and the internal ferrofluid thermomagnetic convection, wherein the temperature distribution and heat transfer are evaluated. Preliminary results indicate that under specific magnetic field conditions the overall heat transfer can be significantly improved, which may lead to higher efficiencies in thermoacoustic engines. In this study, we explore the feasibility of optimizing magnetic fields aiming to enhance the heat exchanger performance. The findings contribute to understanding the interplay between thermomagnetism and thermoacoustics.