Feasibility study of an automotive thermoacoustic refrigerator
Date
2005
Authors
Zoontjens, L.
Howard, C.
Zander, A.
Cazzolato, B.
Editors
McMinn, T.
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Acoustics 2005 : acoustics in a changing environment : proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Australian Acoustical Society / Terrance McMinn (ed.): pp.363-371
Statement of Responsibility
Luke Zoontjens, Carl Howard, Anthony Zander and Ben Cazzolato
Conference Name
Australian Acoustical Society. Conference (2005 : Busselton, W.A.)
Abstract
Concerns regarding the environmental impact associated with the use of current vapour-compression refrigeration systems in automobiles have led to the investigation of alternative 'green' technologies. Thermoacoustic refrigeration, an emerging 'green' technology based upon the purposeful use of high-pressure sound waves to provide cooling, is the most promising replacement investigated so far. Thermoacoustic refrigerators use environmentally benign gases, are relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and can operate using a heat source, which leads to their appeal as a sustainable waste heat recovery device. In this paper, the feasibility of a thermoacoustic refrigerator driven by recovered heat from the waste exhaust gases of an automobile is investigated. Practical considerations and calculations incorporating typical performance characteristics indicate that an automotive waste-heat driven thermoacoustic air-conditioner is potentially feasible and warrants further investigation.