Thermoacoustic engines for electric power generation

A thermoacoustic heat engine is an energy conversion device which converts heat into acoustic power without any moving mechanical component. If an electroacoustic transducer (loudspeaker or linear alternator) is coupled to the heat engine an electric generator is then obtained. This study reports on the initial stage of a research focused on the development of an electric generator comprising a standing wave thermoacoustic prime mover coupled to a commercial loudspeaker. Throughout the work a theoretical analysis of moving coil loudspeakers operated in the electric generation mode is outlined and some preliminary results concerning the acoustic characterization of the resonator and of the gas-spring control system of the loudspeaker are reported.