Thermodynamic Improvements for the Space Thermoacoustic Refrigerator (STAR)

Abstract

The objective of the STAR project is to test and space qualify a new continuous cycle cryogenic refrigeration system for cooling of sensors and electronics which is based upon the newly discovered thermoacoustic heat pumping effect. The new refrigerator has no sliding seals, a cycle frequency of about 300 Hz, and uses acoustic resonance to enhance the overall power density and efficiency. This thesis is concerned specifically with the design and testing of the thermodynamic element (or stack), which is responsible for the thermo- acoustic power conversion, and the testing of binary inert gas mixtures as working fluids. Using the refrigerator's coefficient of performance relative to the ideal Carnot coefficient of performance as a measure of efficiency, we have achieved a 93% improvement over previous designs. Keywords: Thermoacoustic refrigerator, Theses.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA196958

Entities

People

  • Michael P. Susalla

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Properties
  • Acoustic Resonance
  • Boltzmann Equation
  • Boundary Layer
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Energy
  • Heat Capacity
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Transfer
  • Measurement
  • Specific Heat
  • Standing Waves
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Thermal Diffusivity
  • Thermodynamics

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Software Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster