Experimental observation on a small-scale thermoacoustic prime mover

A miniature thermoacoustic prime mover, consuming heat to radiate sound, may be considered as a potential way of heat management in microcircuits because of its simplicity and stability. A prototype with variable resonant tube length of 10 to 25 cm was built, and experiments were carried out to observe its performance, such as onset temperature, oscillation amplitude and operating frequency. The results with atmospheric air showed that proper structures and operating conditions can make the system start an oscillation at a temperature lower than 100 °C, which proves the feasibility of potential usage in electronic units. The influences of stack position, heat input power or tube inclination on the oscillation amplitude, onset temperature and operating frequency are also presented.

A miniature thermoacoustic prime mover, consuming heat to radiate sound, may be considered as a potential way of heat management in microcircuits because of its simplicity and stability. A prototype with variable resonant tube length of 10 to 25 cm was built, and experiments were carried out to observe its performance, such as onset temperature, oscillation amplitude and operating frequency. The results with atmospheric air showed that proper structures and operating conditions can make the system start an oscillation at a temperature lower than 100 ℃, which proves the feasibility of potential usage in electronic units. The influences of stack position, heat input power or tube inclination on the oscillation amplitude, onset temperature and operating frequency are also presented.