Modeling, construction, and testing of a diaphragm thermoacoustic Stirling engine

In this article, a diaphragm thermoacoustic Stirling engine is modeled, constructed, and tested. First, the working principle of the thermoacoustic system is justified based on a new nonlinear lumped mechanical model. Then, the existence of a stable limit cycle in the nonlinear dynamic response of the engine is predicted using the proposed mathematical framework. Additionally, the performance of the designed engine in terms of operating frequency, generated work, output power, pressure variations, and pressure difference caused by the core section is investigated. Next, in order to verify the presented mathematical model, an experimental thermoacoustic Stirling engine is developed and tested. It is found that the practical results are in a good agreement with the simulation outcomes through which the validity of the proposed model is affirmed. Finally, the inexpensive diaphragm thermoacoustic engine can operate at frequency of 13.8 Hz.

Automated summary

This article models, constructs, and tests a diaphragm thermoacoustic Stirling engine, confirming the working principle of the thermoacoustic system and predicting a stable limit cycle in the engine's nonlinear dynamic response. Experimental results validate the mathematical model, demonstrating that the inexpensive engine can operate at a frequency of 13.8 Hz.