Sound Waves At Work
Researchers have devised a new technique to use sound waves, opening the way for simple acoustic compressors, speedy chemical-process reactors, and clean electric-power generators. MacroSonix Corp. in Richmond, Vermont, has developed a technique by which standing sound waves resonating in specially shaped closed cavities can be loaded with thousands of times more energy than was previously possible. Company’s wave-shaping technology is known as resonant macrosonic synthesis (RMS). With some clever engineering, he said, the elevated acoustic-energy levels produced using RMS can be tapped for a wide range of industrial applications, including simplified compressors, pumps, speedy chemical-process reactors, and clean electric-power generators. MacroSonix has already licensed the RMS technology to a large appliance manufacturer to develop acoustic compressors for home refrigerators and air conditioners. MacroSonix has demonstrated the ability to produce high-pressure amplitudes inside resonator cavities. The MacroSonix technology relates to pressure waves in gases, which tend to be nonlinear in behavior. MacroSonix is working on a new licensing deal for an RMS air compressor and another with an electronic-component supplier. The company would like to enter larger research consortia with private, university, or government research labs to explore the RMS electric-power-generation concept.