Thermoacoustic power generation system

Abstract

This invention provides a thermoacoustic power generation system that uses a simple structure to control pressure and prevent damage to a linear generator due to abnormal pressure increases. The thermoacoustic power generation system includes: a linear generator with a piston and a housing; the piston vibrates back and forth within the cylinder to convert sound energy into electrical energy; the housing houses a coil and a permanent magnet; an annular tube connected to the linear generator via a resonant tube; and a prime mover disposed within the annular tube and including a cooler, a heat accumulator, and a heater arranged in sequence. The piston includes a valve body that separates the annular tube from the housing, separating the sound pressure within the annular tube from the pressure within the housing. The valve body has a connecting hole for connecting the annular tube and the housing. The thermoacoustic power generation system also includes a rupture-type safety valve disposed within the valve body and closing the connecting hole; the rupture-type safety valve opens the connecting hole when the pressure acting on the piston exceeds a predetermined value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a power generation system, and more particularly to a thermoacoustic power generation system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, research and development efforts have been made to contribute to energy efficiency in order to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy for more people.

[0003] In existing technology, a thermoacoustic generator has been proposed that can convert thermal energy from a prime mover into mechanical energy in the form of sound waves, driving the piston of a linear generator to reciprocate along its central axis, thereby enabling the linear generator to further convert mechanical energy into electrical energy output. However, in existing thermoacoustic power generation systems, it is difficult to control abnormally loud sound waves in a timely manner, which may damage the internal components of the linear generator and affect power generation efficiency. Therefore, improvements to the thermoacoustic power generation system are needed to overcome this problem. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a thermoacoustic power generation system that uses a simple structure to control pressure and prevent linear generators from being damaged by abnormal pressure increases.

[0005] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a thermoacoustic power generation system includes: a linear generator having a piston and a housing, the piston vibrating back and forth within a cylinder to convert sound energy into electrical energy, the housing housing housing a coil and a permanent magnet; an annular tube connected to the linear generator via a resonant tube; and a prime mover disposed within the annular tube and including a cooler, a heat accumulator, and a heater arranged in sequence, the piston including a valve body separating the annular tube from the housing, the valve body separating the sound pressure within the annular tube from the pressure within the housing, the valve body having a connecting hole for connecting the annular tube and the housing, the thermoacoustic power generation system further including a crack-opening safety valve disposed within the valve body and closing the connecting hole, the crack-opening safety valve opening the connecting hole when the pressure acting on the piston exceeds a predetermined value.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve body includes a pair of cup-shaped valve bodies, and the crack-type safety valve is disposed between the mating surfaces of the pair of cup-shaped valve bodies.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the annular tube is sealed with working gas, the thermoacoustic power generation system generates a temperature gradient at both ends of the heat storage device, causing the working gas to generate self-excited vibration, one end of the resonant tube is connected to the annular tube, and the other end of the resonant tube is connected to the linear generator.

[0008] Based on the above, in the thermoacoustic power generation system of this invention, the piston valve body of the linear generator is equipped with a connecting hole and a crack-type safety valve that closes the connecting hole. When the prime mover generates abnormally loud noise waves, the pressure acting on the piston exceeds a predetermined value, causing the crack-type safety valve to rupture. This opens the connecting hole, which was originally closed by the crack-type safety valve, allowing the space inside the annular tube to communicate with the space inside the linear generator housing, thus reducing the pressure amplitude on the piston surface. Therefore, the thermoacoustic power generation system of this invention controls pressure through a simple structure to prevent damage to the linear generator due to abnormal pressure increases.

[0009] To make the above-mentioned features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below, and detailed descriptions are provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a thermoacoustic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the linear generator in the thermoacoustic power generation system near the piston;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A linear generator in a magnified view;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one of a pair of cup-shaped valve bodies and a crack-type safety valve;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one of a pair of cup-shaped valve bodies;

[0015] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 The pressure changes on the annular pipe side and the pressure changes on the linear generator side.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0017] 10: Linear Generator

[0018] 11: Piston

[0019] 11a, 11b: Cup-shaped valve body

[0020] 12: Cylinder block

[0021] 13: Shell

[0022] 100: Thermoacoustic power generation system

[0023] 110: Circular pipe

[0024] 120: Prime Motion Machine

[0025] 121: Heat accumulator

[0026] 122: Cooler

[0027] 123: Heater

[0028] 130: Resonant tube

[0029] 140: Cracking safety valve

[0030] CL: Coil

[0031] D1, D2: Direction

[0032] H: Connecting hole

[0033] H1, H2: Openings

[0034] PM: Permanent magnet

[0035] V: Valve body. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a thermoacoustic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 1 In this embodiment, the thermoacoustic power generation system 100 includes a linear generator 10, a ring tube 110, a prime mover 120, and a resonant tube 130. In this embodiment, the ring tube 110 is sealed with a working gas. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the prime mover 120 is disposed in the annular tube 110 and includes a cooler 122, a heat accumulator 121 and a heater 123 arranged sequentially along the tube axis of the annular tube 110. The heat accumulator 121 is installed in the annular tube 110 and is a narrow flow channel. The heater 123 is disposed at one end of the heat accumulator 121 and the cooler 122 is disposed at the other end of the heat accumulator 121.

[0037] On the other hand, one end of the resonant tube 130 is connected to the annular tube 110, and the other end of the resonant tube 130 is connected to the linear generator 10. That is, the annular tube 110 is connected to the linear generator 10 through the resonant tube 130. Specifically, in this embodiment, the thermoacoustic power generation system 100 generates a temperature gradient through the heater 123 and cooler 122 at both ends of the heat accumulator 121. When the temperature ratio at both ends of the heat accumulator 121 exceeds a certain critical value, the working gas in the pipe generates self-excited vibration, so that the thermal energy is converted into acoustic energy in the prime mover 120 and is transferred to the linear generator 10 through the annular tube 110 and the resonant tube 130.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the linear generator 10 includes a piston 11, a cylinder 12, and a housing 13. Specifically, at least a portion of the piston 11 is located within the cylinder 12 and is capable of reciprocating within the cylinder 12. The housing 13 has an internal space for accommodating the coil CL and the permanent magnet PM. When the acoustic energy generated in the annular tube 110 propagates to the linear generator 10 through the resonant tube 130, it causes the piston 11 to vibrate back and forth within the cylinder 12, driving the magnetic yoke in the linear generator 10. Through the movement of the magnetic yoke in the linear generator 10, the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet PM in the coil CL changes, generating an electromotive force. In this way, acoustic energy is converted into electrical energy in the linear generator 10.

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a linear generator in a thermoacoustic power generation system near the piston. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 2 The piston 11 includes a valve body V, which directs the annular tube 110 (shown in...) Figure 1 ) and housing 13 (shown in Figure 1 Specifically, the valve body V separates the annular tube 110 (shown in...). Figure 1 The sound pressure inside the casing 13 (shown in) Figure 1 The pressure inside is separated. Valve body 11a has a connecting hole H for connecting to the annular pipe 110 (shown in...). Figure 1 ) and housing 13 (shown in Figure 1 Thermoacoustic power generation system 100 (marked as...) Figure 1 It also includes a burst-type safety valve 140, which is disposed in the valve body V and closes the communication port H. The burst-type safety valve 140 opens the communication port H when the pressure acting on the piston 11 is greater than a predetermined value.

[0040] As described above, in the thermoacoustic power generation system 100 of this embodiment, the valve body V of the piston 11 of the linear generator 10 is provided with a connecting hole H and a crack-type safety valve 140 that closes the connecting hole H. When the prime mover 120 generates abnormally loud sound waves, the pressure acting on the piston 11 exceeds a predetermined value, causing the crack-type safety valve 140 to rupture. This opens the connecting hole H, which was originally closed by the crack-type safety valve 140, thereby connecting the space inside the annular tube 110 with the space inside the housing 13 of the linear generator 10, reducing the pressure amplitude on the surface of the piston 11. Thus, the thermoacoustic power generation system 100 of this embodiment controls the pressure through a simple structure to prevent damage to the linear generator 10 due to abnormal pressure increases.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 2In this embodiment, the valve body V includes a pair of cup-shaped valve bodies 11a and 11b, and the split-type safety valve 140 is disposed between the mating surfaces of the pair of cup-shaped valve bodies 11a and 11b. Thus, by adjusting the contours of the cup-shaped valve bodies 11a and 11b, even if the thickness of the valve body V is increased, the increase in the weight of the valve body V can be suppressed, and the inherent value of the vibration characteristics of the valve body V structure can be increased.

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The linear generator is shown in a magnified view. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one of a pair of cup-shaped valve bodies and a crack-type safety valve, which is along... Figure 2 The viewpoint observed from the direction D1 is shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one of a pair of cup-shaped valve bodies, which is arranged along... Figure 2 The perspective observed in direction D2 is shown. Specifically, the cup-shaped valve body 11a is as follows... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cup-shaped valve body 11b shown has an opening H1. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The diagram shows openings H2, H1, and H2 as follows: Figure 3 The diagram shows a connecting hole H. The diameters of holes H1 and H2 are, for example, 4 mm, but this invention is not limited thereto. The crack-type safety valve 140 is shown... Figure 4 The image shows the annular mating surface of the cup-shaped valve body 11a facing the cup-shaped valve body 11b, as shown in the image of the crack-type safety valve 140. Figure 3 The diagram shows a barrier between openings H1 and H2, closing opening H. The burst-type safety valve 140 is made of, for example, an elastomer or metal foil, and is fixed to the cup-shaped valve body 11a by adhesive or other suitable means. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined value sufficient to destroy the burst-type safety valve 140, the burst-type safety valve 140 ruptures at openings H1 and H2, opening the connecting orifice H.

[0043] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 The pressure changes on the annular pipe side and the pressure changes on the linear generator side. Please refer to... Figure 6 If the connecting hole H and the burst-type safety valve 140 of the aforementioned embodiment are not provided, the pressure P1' on the annular pipe side 110 and the pressure P2' on the linear generator side 10 will exceed the abnormal value Pt. When the connecting hole H and the burst-type safety valve 140 of the aforementioned embodiment are provided, when the pressure reaches the abnormal value Pt, the burst-type safety valve 140 ruptures and releases the pressure through the connecting hole H, ensuring that the pressure P1 on the annular pipe side 110 and the pressure P2 on the linear generator side 10 do not exceed the abnormal value Pt.

[0044] In summary, in the thermoacoustic power generation system of this invention, the piston valve body of the linear generator is equipped with a connecting hole and a crack-type safety valve covering the connecting hole. When the prime mover generates abnormally loud noise waves, the pressure acting on the piston exceeds a predetermined value, causing the crack-type safety valve to rupture. This opens the connecting hole, which was originally covered by the crack-type safety valve, allowing the space inside the annular tube to communicate with the space inside the linear generator housing, thus reducing the pressure amplitude on the piston surface. Therefore, the thermoacoustic power generation system of this invention controls pressure through a simple structure to prevent damage to the linear generator due to abnormal pressure increases.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A thermoacoustic power generation system, characterized in that, include: A linear generator having a piston and a housing, wherein the piston vibrates back and forth within a cylinder to convert acoustic energy into electrical energy, and the housing houses a coil and a permanent magnet; A toroidal tube, connected to the linear generator via a resonant tube; and The prime mover, located within the annular tube, includes a cooler, a heat accumulator, and a heater arranged in sequence. The piston includes a valve body that separates the annular tube from the housing. The valve body separates the sound pressure inside the annular tube from the pressure inside the housing. The valve body has a connecting hole for connecting the annular tube and the housing. The thermoacoustic power generation system also includes a crack-type safety valve, which is disposed in the valve body and closes the communication port. The crack-type safety valve opens the communication port when the pressure acting on the piston is greater than a predetermined value.

2. The thermoacoustic power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body includes a pair of cup-shaped valve bodies. The crack-type safety valve is disposed between the mating surfaces of the pair of cup-shaped valve bodies that are opposite to each other.

3. The thermoacoustic power generation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The annular tube is sealed with working gas. The thermoacoustic power generation system generates a temperature gradient across the two ends of the heat storage device, causing the working gas to produce self-excited vibration. One end of the resonant tube is connected to the annular tube, and the other end of the resonant tube is connected to the linear generator.

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