Design and Numeric Simulation of a Thermoacoustic Bi-Directional Turbine Test Rig
Abstract As a new type of acoustic-electric conversion method, bi-directional impulse turbine provides great potential for developing large scale and economic thermoacoustic power generators. A test rig for turbine tests in acoustic fields, which are provided through two reciprocating pistons, has been introduced. A three-dimensional numerical model has been used to simulate the whole system. The fundamental characteristics of the turbine in oscillating flow are analyzed. Impact of acoustic field features on the turbine performance has been studied. The results show that the performance is sensitive to the acoustic field. For the test rig, a typical result is that with a shaft power of 187 W, the turbine can reach an efficiency around 32%.