Thermoacoustic Stirling Engine-Driven Liquid Piston for Electricity Generation

The research examines the conversion of kinetic energy to electricity via a liquid piston powered by a thermoacoustic Stirling engine. Bypassing the complexities of solid pistons, this engine harnesses sound wave oscillations in a water-filled vertical U-tube, functioning as the acoustic load. Connected to a looped tube engine through a T-junction, the system incorporates three differentially heated regenerators and the branch U-shaped liquid column. Innovatively, a permanent magnet nested within a floating device inside the liquid column interacts with a solenoid coil, inducing electromotive force by cutting through magnetic flux lines. Utilizing the working fluids of water and air, the apparatus presents a cost-effective and reliable method for generating electricity on a small scale. Thermoacoustic engines, which typically employ resonance tubes and regenerators, depend on substantial axial temperature gradients to convert heat to mechanical work. Our approach advances this design by integrating a liquid column, for promoting a float-type linear alternator. This proceedings paper demonstrates the viability of this technology for sustainable energy generation.