THATEA

THermoAcoustic Technology for Energy Applications

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The objective of the THATEA project is to advance the science and technology behind the thermoacoustic energy conversion processes to such a level that would enable reaching conversion efficiencies at which the application of the technology becomes economically attractive. Based on the results obtained, the most promising application areas will be identified for further development. Thermoacoustic energy conversion is a generic cross-cutting energy technology that can be applied in a vast number of applications, requiring heating, cooling, or power both in industry and build environment. Thermoacoustic is concerned with the thermodynamic conversion between heat and intense sound in the presence of a solid boundary. The working principles of thermoacoustic systems are quite complex. However, the practical implementations of these are relatively simple. This offers great advantages with respect to the economic feasibility of this technology. The systems lack moving parts, use environmentally friendly working media, and only ordinary materials. The development of thermoacoustic systems will lead to energy and cost savings and economically attractive renewable energy options. The attractive feature of thermoacoustic technology is that all the different applications can be developed based on the same technological principles. This means that the components of such systems can be made in large quantities at low cost. This project will be dedicated to the exploration and the study of different conversion processes involved in the thermoacoustic systems and the potential they have for energy applications. This project is the first initiative on a European level, aiming to combine the efforts in the new research field of thermoacoustics in order to acquire a leadership position in this new promising and innovative technology.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Renewable energy comes in many forms. Scientists are developing technology to use intense sound to produce heat, air conditioning and power.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Thermoacoustic energy conversion is the process of producing sound from heat and the use sound to pump heat by exploiting a solid boundary. It can be used in a variety of applications that require heating, cooling or power in industrial and residential settings. It can be used in a variety of applications that require heating, cooling or power in industrial and residential settings.

Although the principles are complex, the practical implementation is relatively simple. A thermoacoustic system typically consists of an engine and a heat pump enclosed in a resonator. The engine produces acoustic power from heat. The heat pump then uses that power to pump heat. No moving parts are required and environmentally friendly materials are used.

The EU-funded 'Thermoacoustic technology for energy applications' (Thatea) project is evaluating thermoacoustic conversion processes to identify the most promising systems. Thatea is the first European initiative seeking to position the EU in a leadership role in this emerging technology.

Investigators continued work on understanding the fundamental processes and, specifically, on heat transfer under oscillatory flow conditions. Experimental analyses led to the definition of design rules for thermoacoustic heat exchangers. Scientists also tested the concept of a mechanical resonator that employs a two mass-spring system to replace the acoustic one. Alignment of the cylinder in the piston was found to be a critical parameter and a topic for further study.

Theoretical and experimental investigation of non-linear effects that degrade the performance of thermoacoustic systems (e.g. streaming) were carried out and this led to enhancements in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of oscillatory flow. The work also highlighted the need for further research to adequately understand, describe and prevent such non-linear phenomena.

Scientists developed two thermoacoustic engines (a high- and a low-temperature device) and two thermoacoustic heat pumping devices (a refrigerator and a heat pump). Both engines demonstrated target efficiencies. The heat pumps demonstrated much higher efficiencies than any previously measured thermoacoustic heat pump. Further work is required to improve efficiency.

Given the flexibility of thermoacoustic systems and thus their wide application potential, significant cost reductions are expected due to large production volumes. Thatea is continuing to develop the technology required to place the EU in a leading position in this important emerging renewable energy market.