Modelling and analysis of a thermoacoustic-piezoelectric energy harvester. (5th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Geng; Tang, Lihua; Mace, Brian R.
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 150(2019)
• Page Start: 532
• Page End: 544
• Publication Date: 2019-03-05
• Subjects: Energy harvester -- Thermoacoustic engine -- Piezoelectric transducer -- Stability analysis -- Transfer matrix method -- Temperature distribution; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2019.01.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: The onset characteristics of a TAPEH were predicted and validated experimentally. The piezoelectric transducer was modelled based on the electric circuit networks. The effect of the temperature distribution was investigated theoretically. The effects of the main geometrical and electrical parameters were investigated. Abstract: This paper proposes an energy harvester that can convert the acoustic power produced by a standing-wave thermoacoustic engine into electricity using a piezoelectric transducer. The proposed thermoacoustic-piezoelectric system may start producing electricity when sufficient heat input is supplied and large-amplitude thermoacoustic oscillations are generated. The stability of the thermoacoustic-piezoelectric energy harvester is analysed using a transfer matrix method based on linear thermoacoustic theory. Experimental results are presented to validate the predicted onset temperature difference across the stack and oscillation frequency. Subsequently, the acoustic field, viscous and thermal losses and acoustic power generation along the tube at the threshold condition are analysed. The present work also focuses on the effect of the temperature distribution of the system on the onset characteristics and the energy conversion process. In addition, a parametric study is performed to investigate the effect of the main geometrical and electrical parameters on the onset characteristics of the entire system. The analytical and experimental approaches developed in this study are useful for the design and optimization of thermoacoustic-piezoelectric engines for harvesting waste thermal energy in industrial applications.