Review of travelling-wave thermoacoustic electric-generator technology

Abstract

The proliferation of environmentally friendly electricity-generating technologies has fostered a growing interest in travelling-wave thermoacoustic electric-generator technology and its potential applications. Although reviews exist that focus generally on Stirling engines and thermoacoustic engines, no specific and complete review has addressed the generation of electrical energy through a thermoacoustic Stirling-like cycle engine (TA-SLiCE), which has undergone extensive development in recent years. The present review covers this gap and focuses on the analysis of electric power generation through the TA-SLiCE over different temperature ranges. Therefore, in this review, the general status of travelling-wave thermoacoustic energy generation and the evaluation of the TA-SLiCE types that represent current travelling-wave thermoacoustic generator technologies are presented. In addition, the agents involved in the development of this technology are reviewed, and selected examples of prototypes and promising products currently in a research and testing phase using this technology are presented. In closing the difficulties in this field, the novelties and current research are presented concluding with the main ideas and recommendations.