A novel heat-driven thermoacoustic natural gas liquefaction system. Part I: Coupling between refrigerator and linear motor. (15th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Linyu; Wu, Zhanghua; Hu, Jianying; Yu, Guoyao; Luo, Ercang; Dai, Wei
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 117:Part 2(2016)
• Page Start: 523
• Page End: 529
• Publication Date: 2016-12-15
• Subjects: Heat-driven thermoacoustic Stirling refrigerator -- Linear motor -- Natural gas liquefaction; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.06.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Nowadays, heat-driven thermoacoustic Stirling refrigerator is of great interest in the world, which utilizes thermoacoustic heat engine to drive thermoacoustic Stirling refrigerator with high reliability and simplicity. This system is suitable for natural gas liquefaction by burning a small amount of natural gas to liquefy the rest. In this paper, a heat-driven thermoacoustic Stirling refrigerator with linear motor phase adjuster is proposed. The linear motor is used to not only provide a suitable acoustic field for the refrigerator to achieve a high performance but also convert the expansion work into electricity. Thus, the system efficiency can be greatly improved. Due to the complicated energy conversion mechanism between heat, acoustic work, cooling power and electric power in the system, here we only try to investigate the coupling relationship between refrigerator and linear motor by adjusting load resistance and equivalent inductance. According to the simulation, optimum results of a cooling power of 463.1 W at 110 K with relative Carnot efficiency of 31.3%, an electric power of 553.7 W and a total exergy efficiency of 53.7% are achieved. Since several refrigerator and motor units are used in this system, this technology may provide a new way for natural gas liquefaction. Highlights: A novel heat-driven thermoacoustic natural gas liquefaction system is proposed. Linear motor acts as phase adjuster of the refrigerator to achieve electricity. Coupling relationship between refrigerator and linear motor is investigated. Cooling power of 463.1 W@110 K with relative Carnot efficiency of 31.3% is obtained. Electric power of 553.7 W is gained and the exergy efficiency of unit is 53.7%.