Experimental study of a traveling-wave thermoacoustic prime mover

Thermoacoustic prime mover can convert thermal energy into acoustic energy through thermoacoustic effect. It attracts more attentions due to the advantages of its lack of moving component, and then simplicity and stability. Compared with standing-wave thermoacoustic prime mover, the new traveling-wave thermoacoustic engine, which is the topic of present experimental study, is thought to be capable of achieving much higher efficiency. Following a short review, emphasis is made on design and fabrication of an experimental setup of the thermoacoustic-Stirling prime mover. And we have successfully obtained pressure oscillation from preliminary tests, i.e., oscillations of 66 Hz and 23 Hz, with helium and nitrogen as working fluid, respectively. The influence of heating power, heating temperature and jet pump has also been investigated.