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Physics Colloquium, May 17, 2005Thermoacoustic energy conversionGreg SwiftLos Alamos National LaboratoryGood fun with classical physics: Thermoacoustics is a rapidly developing, relatively new field of energy conversion, which harnesses the temperature and heat-flux oscillations that accompany the pressure and motion oscillations in sound waves in gases. Recent fundamental advances include an engine that converts high-temperature heat to acoustic power with an efficiency of 30%, an acoustically driven gas pump with no moving parts, and a growing understanding of thermoacoustic mixture separation. The reliability and simplicity of sound waves suggest a broad range of applications for thermoacoustic devices, including combustion-powered cryogenic liquefaction of natural gas, electric power generation for spacecraft, and production of hydrogen from focused sunlight. 3.30 p.m., Robert Smith Seminar Room 1080, PRBRefreshments served at 3:00 p.m., Atrium, PRB |
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