Heat Sound Converter

Abstract

To provide a heat sound converter capable of achieving both securement of an opening area of an intermediate sound wave passage of a heat accumulator and promotion of heat transfer between at least one of a heater and a cooler, and the heat accumulator.SOLUTION: A heat sound converter 1 converts heat to a sound wave using a thermoacoustic phenomenon. The heat sound converter 1 includes a heater 2, a cooler 3, and a heat accumulator 4. Heat transfer parts 24 and 34 for dividing each of sound wave passages 21 and 31 into a plurality of parts are provided on an inner peripheral side of each of respective outer peripheral parts 23 and 33 of the heater 2 and the cooler 3. A heat transfer wall part 43 for executing heat transfer with each of the heat transfer parts 24 and 34 is formed at a position opposed to each of the heat transfer parts 24 and 34 in a cross section orthogonal to an axial direction L along a formation direction of an intermediate sound wave passage 41 in the heat accumulator 4. The heat transfer wall part 43 has a thickness greater than a thickness of a cell wall 44, and is formed in a state of closing part of the intermediate sound wave passage 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermoacoustic transducer. [Background technology]

[0002] A thermoacoustic converter converts heat into sound waves by utilizing the thermoacoustic phenomenon. The sound waves from the thermoacoustic converter are further converted into other energy such as electricity for use. The thermoacoustic converter is configured by arranging a heater, which is a heat exchanger on the heating side, at one end of a heat accumulator through which the working fluid passes as sound waves, and arranging a cooler, which is a heat exchanger on the cooling side, at the other end of the heat accumulator. The thermoacoustic converter amplifies the sound waves of the working fluid passing through the heat accumulator by utilizing the temperature difference generated at both ends of the heat accumulator by the fluid flowing through the heater and the fluid flowing through the cooler.

[0003] In order to improve the thermal acoustic conversion efficiency of the thermal acoustic converter, it is important to ensure the opening area (opening rate) of the passage through which the working fluid passes in the heat accumulator, while effectively performing heat exchange between the fluid in the heater and the working fluid, and between the fluid in the cooler and the working fluid. For example, in the heat exchange member of Patent Document 1, when a thermal acoustic converter is constructed by a stack (heat accumulator) and a heat exchange member (heat exchanger), the flow path walls that form a plurality of micro-flow paths in the stack are appropriately in contact with the plate portion of the heat exchange member. The micro-flow paths through which the working gas passes in the stack are not overlapped with the plate portion of the heat exchange member, so that the opening area of ​​the micro-flow paths is not reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-125877 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, in order to bring the plate portion of the heat exchange member into contact with the flow passage wall of the stack, it is necessary to form the plate portion to have a small thickness. Also, in Patent Document 1, in order to bring the tip portion of the plate portion of the heat exchange member into contact with the flow passage wall of the stack, this tip portion is tapered to be thinner than the remaining base end portion. In order to increase the opening area of ​​the micro flow passage of the stack, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of the flow passage wall of the stack, and it becomes necessary to further reduce the thickness of the plate portion of the heat exchange member. As a result, since the strength of the plate portion of the heat exchange member cannot be ensured, the thickness of the flow passage wall of the stack cannot be reduced, and it is difficult to increase the opening area of ​​the micro flow passage of the stack.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a thermal acoustic converter that can simultaneously ensure the opening area of ​​the intermediate acoustic passage of the heat storage unit and promote heat transfer between the heat storage unit and at least one of the heater and cooler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is A thermoacoustic converter (1) that converts heat into sound waves by utilizing a thermoacoustic phenomenon, a heater (2) having a first sound wave passage (21) formed on an inner peripheral side of a first outer periphery (23) through which the sound waves pass, and a high-temperature side flow path (22) formed on the first outer periphery through which a first fluid (F1) flows; a cooler (3) including a second sound wave passage (31) formed on an inner peripheral side of a second outer periphery (33) through which the sound waves pass, and a low-temperature side flow path (32) formed on the second outer periphery through which a second fluid (F2) having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid flows; a heat accumulator (4) disposed between the heater and the cooler, the heat accumulator having an intermediate acoustic wave passage (41) formed between a plurality of cell walls (44) through which the acoustic waves pass via the first acoustic wave passage and the second acoustic wave passage, At least one of the heater and the cooler is provided with a heat transfer section (24, 34) that is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first outer circumferential section or the second outer circumferential section and divides the first sound wave passage or the second sound wave passage into a plurality of sections, In the heat accumulator, a heat transfer wall portion (43) is formed at a position facing the heat transfer portion in a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction (L) along the formation direction of the intermediate sound wave passage, the heat transfer wall portion (43) being thicker than the cell wall and blocking a part of the intermediate sound wave passage to transfer heat with the heat transfer portion. And, The heat transfer wall portion is made of the same material as the cell wall and is formed at an end portion of the heat accumulator in the axial direction opposite to the heat transfer portion. , in the thermal sound transducer. Another aspect of the present invention is A thermoacoustic converter (1) that converts heat into sound waves by utilizing a thermoacoustic phenomenon, a heater (2) having a first sound wave passage (21) formed on an inner peripheral side of a first outer periphery (23) through which the sound waves pass, and a high-temperature side flow path (22) formed on the first outer periphery through which a first fluid (F1) flows; a cooler (3) including a second sound wave passage (31) formed on an inner peripheral side of a second outer periphery (33) through which the sound waves pass, and a low-temperature side flow path (32) formed on the second outer periphery through which a second fluid (F2) having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid flows; a heat accumulator (4) disposed between the heater and the cooler, the heat accumulator having an intermediate acoustic wave passage (41) formed between a plurality of cell walls (44) through which the acoustic waves pass via the first acoustic wave passage and the second acoustic wave passage, At least one of the heater and the cooler is provided with a heat transfer section (24, 34) that is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first outer circumferential section or the second outer circumferential section and divides the first sound wave passage or the second sound wave passage into a plurality of sections, In the heat accumulator, a heat transfer wall portion (43) is formed at a position facing the heat transfer portion in a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction (L) along the formation direction of the intermediate sound wave passage, the heat transfer wall portion (43) being thicker than the cell wall and for blocking a part of the intermediate sound wave passage to transfer heat to the heat transfer portion, The thermoacoustic converter has a thermal conductive material (461, 462) sandwiched between the heat transfer portion and the heat transfer wall portion, the thermal conductive material being made of a material softer than the material constituting the heat transfer portion and the material constituting the heat transfer wall portion. Yet another aspect of the present invention is A thermoacoustic converter (1) that converts heat into sound waves by utilizing a thermoacoustic phenomenon, a heater (2) having a first sound wave passage (21) formed on an inner peripheral side of a first outer periphery (23) through which the sound waves pass, and a high-temperature side flow path (22) formed on the first outer periphery through which a first fluid (F1) flows; a cooler (3) including a second sound wave passage (31) formed on an inner peripheral side of a second outer periphery (33) through which the sound waves pass, and a low-temperature side flow path (32) formed on the second outer periphery through which a second fluid (F2) having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid flows; a heat accumulator (4) disposed between the heater and the cooler, the heat accumulator having an intermediate acoustic wave passage (41) formed between a plurality of cell walls (44) through which the acoustic waves pass via the first acoustic wave passage and the second acoustic wave passage, At least one of the heater and the cooler is provided with a heat transfer section (24, 34) that is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first outer circumferential section or the second outer circumferential section and divides the first sound wave passage or the second sound wave passage into a plurality of sections, In the heat accumulator, a heat transfer wall portion (43) is formed at a position facing the heat transfer portion in a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction (L) along the formation direction of the intermediate sound wave passage, the heat transfer wall portion (43) being thicker than the cell wall and for blocking a part of the intermediate sound wave passage to transfer heat to the heat transfer portion, The thermoacoustic converter has a branch flow path (25, 35) formed inside the heat transfer section, the branch flow path being branched from the high temperature side flow path or the low temperature side flow path and through which the first fluid or the second fluid flows. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the thermoacoustic converter of the above embodiment, a heat transfer section is provided on the inner periphery of at least one of the first outer periphery of the heater and the second outer periphery of the cooler, dividing the first sound wave passage or the second sound wave passage into a plurality of sections. In addition, a heat transfer wall section is formed in the heat accumulator at a position facing the heat transfer section. The heat transfer wall section blocks a part of the intermediate sound wave passage and is formed thicker than the thickness of the cell wall. The heat transfer section and the heat transfer wall section come into contact with each other, thereby facilitating heat transfer between the heat accumulator and at least one of the heater and the cooler.

[0009] In addition, since there is no need to face the heat transfer portion to the cell wall, there is no need to ensure a large thickness of the cell wall. Therefore, while ensuring the strength of the heat transfer portion of at least one of the heater and the cooler, and the strength of the heat transfer wall portion of the heat accumulator, the thickness of the multiple cell walls in the heat accumulator can be reduced, and the opening area of ​​the intermediate sound wave passage of the heat accumulator can be ensured.

[0010] Therefore, according to the thermoacoustic converter of the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to ensure the opening area of ​​the intermediate acoustic passage of the heat accumulator while promoting heat transfer between the heat accumulator and at least one of the heater and the cooler.

[0011] In addition, the symbols in parentheses for each component shown in one aspect of the present invention indicate a correspondence with the symbols in the figures in the embodiment, but do not limit each component to only the contents of the embodiment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a loop-type thermoacoustic power generating device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 6, showing the thermoacoustic converter according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 6, showing the thermoacoustic converter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2, showing a heat accumulator of the thermoacoustic converter according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 2, showing a heater of a thermoacoustic converter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a straight-tube type thermoacoustic power generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 10, showing the thermoacoustic converter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIII-VIIII of FIG. 10, showing the thermoacoustic converter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8, showing a heater of a thermoacoustic converter according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 6, showing the thermoacoustic converter according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 6, showing the thermoacoustic converter according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. 11 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 6, showing the thermoacoustic converter according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. 14 according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The thermoacoustic converter mentioned above A reference form showing the basic configuration, A preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. < reference Form 1> The thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment converts heat into sound waves by utilizing the thermoacoustic phenomenon, as shown in Figs. 2 to 6. The thermoacoustic converter 1 includes a heater 2, a cooler 3, and a heat accumulator 4. The heater 2 has a first sound wave passage 21 formed on the inner circumferential side of the first outer circumferential portion 23 through which sound waves pass, and a high-temperature side flow path 22 formed on the first outer circumferential portion 23 through which a first fluid F1 flows. The cooler 3 has a second sound wave passage 31 formed on the inner circumferential side of the second outer circumferential portion 33 through which sound waves pass, and a low-temperature side flow path 32 formed on the second outer circumferential portion 33 through which a second fluid F2 having a lower temperature than the first fluid F1 flows. The heat accumulator 4 is disposed between the heater 2 and the cooler 3, and has an intermediate sound wave passage 41 formed between a plurality of cell walls 44 through which sound waves pass via the first sound wave passage 21 and the second sound wave passage 31.

[0014] A first heat transfer section 24 is provided on the inner circumferential side of the first outer circumferential portion 23 of the heater 2, dividing the first sound wave passage 21 into a plurality of sections. A second heat transfer section 34 is provided on the inner circumferential side of the second outer circumferential portion 33 of the cooler 3, dividing the second sound wave passage 31 into a plurality of sections. As shown in FIG. 5, a heat transfer wall section 43 for transferring heat between the first heat transfer section 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer section 34 of the cooler 3 is formed at a position facing each heat transfer section 24, 34 in a cross section of the heat accumulator 4 perpendicular to the axial direction L along the formation direction of the intermediate sound wave passage 41. The heat transfer wall section 43 has a thickness larger than the thickness of the cell wall 44, and is formed in a state of blocking a part of the intermediate sound wave passage 41.

[0015] The thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail below. (Thermoacoustic converter 1 and thermoacoustic power generation device 5) As shown in Fig. 1, the thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment constitutes a thermoacoustic power generation device 5 that generates power by using sound waves. One or more thermoacoustic converters 1 are arranged in the middle of the piping that constitutes the thermoacoustic power generation device 5. The thermoacoustic power generation device 5 of this embodiment is of a loop type that includes an annular piping 51 formed in a ring shape, a thermoacoustic converter 1 arranged in the middle of the annular piping 51, and a generator 53 connected to a branch piping 52 branched off from the annular piping 51.

[0016] The thermoacoustic converter 1 is used to amplify sound waves generated by the working fluid F0 circulating in the annular piping 51. The thermoacoustic converter 1 amplifies sound waves generated by the working fluid F0 by expanding and contracting the gaseous working fluid F0 using the temperature difference between both ends of the heat accumulator 4 in the axial direction L. The temperature difference between both ends of the heat accumulator 4 in the axial direction L is generated by heating the heat accumulator 4 and the working fluid F0 by the first fluid F1 in the heater 2, and cooling the heat accumulator 4 and the working fluid F0 by the second fluid F2 in the cooler 3.

[0017] The generator 53 is composed of a linear generator that converts vibrations caused by sound waves into electricity using electromagnetic induction. The sound waves amplified by the thermoacoustic converter 1 are used by the generator 53 and converted into electricity.

[0018] In addition, the thermoacoustic power generation device 5 may be a straight-tube type device having a straight pipe 54, which is a piping formed in a straight line, a thermoacoustic converter 1 arranged midway along the straight pipe 54, an acoustic generator 55 connected to one end of the straight pipe 54, and a generator 53 connected to the other end of the straight pipe 54, as shown in Figure 7.

[0019] (First fluid F1 and second fluid F2) 1, the first fluid F1 in this embodiment utilizes the exhaust heat of exhaust gas G supplied from an exhaust heat source 6. Specifically, the first fluid F1 uses thermal oil that exchanges heat with exhaust gas G discharged from the exhaust heat source 6 to an exhaust pipe 61 and is heated by the exhaust heat of the exhaust gas G. A heat exchanger 62 is disposed in the exhaust pipe 61 for exchanging heat between the exhaust gas G and the thermal oil.

[0020] The exhaust heat source 6 may be, for example, an industrial furnace such as a baking furnace or an aluminum melting furnace that heats by burning fuel. The exhaust heat source 6 may be various equipment that discharges exhaust gas G due to combustion. The second fluid F2 in this embodiment is circulating water used in a factory. The second fluid F2 may be any of various fluids having a lower temperature than the exhaust gas G. The temperature of the second fluid F2 is lower than the temperature of the working fluid F0. The working fluid F0 of the thermoacoustic converter 1 and the thermoacoustic power generation device 5 in this embodiment is an inert gas such as helium or argon.

[0021] In this embodiment, the direction along the central axis O of the heat accumulator 4 is referred to as the axial direction L, the direction around the central axis O of the heat accumulator 4 is referred to as the circumferential direction C, and the radial direction centered on the central axis O of the heat accumulator 4 is referred to as the radial direction R. The central axis O of the heater 2 and the central axis O of the cooler 3 are coaxial with the central axis O of the heat accumulator 4, and the central axis O of the heat accumulator 4 also refers to the central axis O of the heater 2 and the central axis O of the cooler 3.

[0022] (Regenerator 4) 2, 4 and 5, the heat accumulator 4 has an outer peripheral wall portion 42 constituting an outer peripheral wall portion, a plurality of heat transfer wall portions 43 bridged across the outer peripheral wall portion 42 on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral wall portion 42, and a cell wall 44 forming a plurality of through holes 45 along the axial direction L on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral wall portion 42. The outer peripheral wall portion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0023] The heat transfer wall portion 43 is formed from one side to the other side in the radial direction R of the outer peripheral wall portion 42 with a plurality of pieces arranged in parallel. The heat transfer wall portion 43 of this embodiment is formed continuously over the entire length of the heat accumulator 4 in the axial direction L by the same material as the cell wall 44. With this configuration, the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat accumulator 4 is continuously in contact with the first heat transfer portion 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer portion 34 of the cooler 3, and heat transfer between the heat accumulator 4 and the heater 2 and the cooler 3 can be promoted. The heat transfer wall portion 43 is formed in a state of contact with the first heat transfer portion 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer portion 34 of the cooler 3. The thickness of the heat transfer wall portion 43 may be, for example, 10 to 500 times the thickness of the cell wall 44.

[0024] The cell walls 44 are formed as polygonal walls such as lattice-shaped or honeycomb-shaped. The cell walls 44 are formed continuously over the entire length of the axial direction L of the heat accumulator 4. The thickness of the cell walls 44 may be, for example, 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 times the width of the through holes 45. The heat accumulator 4 is made of a ceramic material. The heat accumulator 4 may be made of a metal material. The intermediate sound wave passage 41 of the heat accumulator 4 is formed by a plurality of through holes 45 surrounded by the cell walls 44, the outer peripheral wall portion 42, and the heat transfer wall portion 43. Most of the through holes 45 are formed surrounded by the intersecting cell walls 44.

[0025] The aperture ratio of the heat accumulator 4 is represented as the aperture area of ​​the intermediate sound wave passage 41 in the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the heat accumulator 4, in other words, the total aperture area of ​​the plurality of through holes 45. The cell walls 44 and the heat transfer wall portion 43 of this embodiment are formed so that the aperture ratio of the heat accumulator 4 is within the range of 50 to 90%.

[0026] (heater 2) As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 6, the heater 2 has a first outer peripheral portion 23 formed in an annular shape, and a first heat transfer portion 24 formed on the inner peripheral side of the first outer peripheral portion 23 from one side to the other side in the radial direction R of the first outer peripheral portion 23 in a state where a plurality of first heat transfer portions 24 are arranged in parallel. Inside the first outer peripheral portion 23, a high-temperature side flow passage 22 through which the first fluid F1 flows is formed in an annular shape. On one side of the radial direction R of the first outer peripheral portion 23, a first flow passage inlet 221 for allowing the first fluid F1 to flow into the high-temperature side flow passage 22 is formed, and on the other side of the radial direction R of the first outer peripheral portion 23, a first flow passage outlet 222 for allowing the first fluid F1 to flow out from the high-temperature side flow passage 22 is formed. In other words, the first flow passage inlet 221 and the first flow passage outlet 222 are formed at positions with a phase difference of 180° in the circumferential direction C.

[0027] The first heat transfer sections 24 of the heater 2 are formed in a state of facing and contacting the heat transfer wall sections 43 of the heat accumulator 4. The first heat transfer section 24 of this embodiment is formed in a solid shape. The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the first heat transfer section 24 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the heat transfer wall section 43. The width of the first heat transfer section 24 is substantially the same as the width of the heat transfer wall section 43 of the heat accumulator 4. The width of the first heat transfer section 24 may be the same as the width of the heat transfer wall section 43, and may be appropriately determined within a range not exceeding the width of the heat transfer wall section 43.

[0028] The first acoustic wave passage 21 of the heater 2 is formed as an opening portion surrounded by the first outer circumferential portion 23 and the first heat transfer portion 24. The first acoustic wave passage 21 is formed at a position facing the cell wall 44 and the through hole 45 of the heat accumulator 4 in the axial direction L.

[0029] In the heater 2, when the first fluid F1 flowing from the first flow passage inlet 221 into the high-temperature side flow passage 22 flows through the high-temperature side flow passage 22, the first outer circumferential portion 23 and the first heat transfer portion 24 are heated. Then, the working fluid F0 passing through the first acoustic passage 21 is heated by heat transfer from the first outer circumferential portion 23 and the first heat transfer portion 24, and the heat accumulator 4 is heated by the first outer circumferential portion 23, and the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat accumulator 4 is heated by the first heat transfer portion 24. In addition, the first fluid F1 used for heating flows out from the high-temperature side flow passage 22 to the first flow passage outlet 222.

[0030] (Cooler 3) As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the cooler 3 has a second outer peripheral portion 33 formed in an annular shape, and a second heat transfer portion 34 formed on the inner peripheral side of the second outer peripheral portion 33 from one side to the other side in the radial direction R of the second outer peripheral portion 33 in a state where a plurality of the second heat transfer portions 34 are arranged in parallel. FIG. 6 shows the heater 2, but the cooler 3 has a similar structure to the heater 2. Inside the second outer peripheral portion 33, a low-temperature side flow passage 32 through which the second fluid F2 flows is formed in an annular shape. A second flow passage inlet 321 for allowing the second fluid F2 to flow into the low-temperature side flow passage 32 is formed on one side of the second outer peripheral portion 33 in the radial direction R, and a second flow passage outlet 322 for allowing the second fluid F2 to flow out from the low-temperature side flow passage 32 is formed on the other side of the second outer peripheral portion 33 in the radial direction R. In other words, the second flow passage inlet 321 and the second flow passage outlet 322 are formed at positions with a phase difference of 180° in the circumferential direction C.

[0031] The second heat transfer portions 34 of the cooler 3 are formed in a state of facing and contacting the heat transfer wall portions 43 of the heat accumulator 4. The second heat transfer portions 34 of this embodiment are formed in a solid shape. The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the second heat transfer portions 34 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the heat transfer wall portions 43. The width of the second heat transfer portions 34 is substantially the same as the width of the heat transfer wall portions 43 of the heat accumulator 4. The width of the second heat transfer portions 34 may be the same as the width of the heat transfer wall portions 43, and may be appropriately determined within a range not exceeding the width of the heat transfer wall portions 43.

[0032] The second acoustic passage 31 of the cooler 3 is formed as an opening surrounded by the second outer circumferential portion 33 and the second heat transfer portion 34. The second acoustic passage 31 is formed at a position facing the cell wall 44 and the through hole 45 of the heat accumulator 4 in the axial direction L.

[0033] In the cooler 3, when the second fluid F2 flowing from the second flow passage inlet 321 into the low-temperature side flow passage 32 flows through the low-temperature side flow passage 32, the second outer circumferential portion 33 and the second heat transfer portion 34 are cooled. Then, the working fluid F0 passing through the second acoustic passage 31 is cooled by heat transfer to the second outer circumferential portion 33 and the second heat transfer portion 34, and the heat accumulator 4 is cooled by the second outer circumferential portion 33, and the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat accumulator 4 is cooled by the second heat transfer portion 34. In addition, the second fluid F2 used for cooling flows out from the low-temperature side flow passage 32 to the second flow passage outlet 322.

[0034] In this embodiment, the heater 2 and the cooler 3 have the same shape. The first heat transfer portion 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer portion 34 of the cooler 3 are formed in the same shape.

[0035] (Action and effect) In the thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment, a first heat transfer section 24 that divides the first sound wave passage 21 into a plurality of sections is provided on the inner circumferential side of the first outer circumferential section 23 of the heater 2, and a second heat transfer section 34 that divides the second sound wave passage 31 into a plurality of sections is provided on the inner circumferential side of the second outer circumferential section 33 of the cooler 3. In addition, a heat transfer wall section 43 is formed at a position facing the first heat transfer section 24 and the second heat transfer section 34 in the heat accumulator 4. The heat transfer wall section 43 blocks a part of the intermediate sound wave passage 41 and is formed thicker than the thickness of the cell wall 44. The first heat transfer section 24 and the second heat transfer section 34 face each other and come into contact with the heat transfer wall section 43, thereby facilitating heat transfer between the heater 2 and the cooler 3 and the heat accumulator 4.

[0036] In addition, there is no need to face the first heat transfer section 24 and the second heat transfer section 34 to the cell walls 44, and there is no need to ensure a large thickness for the cell walls 44. Therefore, while ensuring the strength of the first heat transfer section 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer section 34 of the cooler 3, and the strength of the heat transfer wall section 43 of the heat accumulator 4, the thickness of the multiple cell walls 44 in the heat accumulator 4 can be reduced to ensure the opening area of ​​the intermediate sound wave passage 41 of the heat accumulator 4.

[0037] Therefore, according to the thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to ensure the opening area of ​​the intermediate sound wave passage 41 of the heat accumulator 4 and to promote heat transfer between the heater 2 and the cooler 3 and the heat accumulator 4. By ensuring the opening area of ​​the intermediate sound wave passage 41, it is possible to appropriately ensure the thermoacoustic conversion efficiency for converting heat into sound.

[0038] Furthermore, even if the thickness of the cell wall 44 is reduced, the heat transfer wall portion 43 is thick, so that heat transfer between the heater 2 and the cooler 3 and the heat storage device 4 can be effectively performed. Furthermore, the first heat transfer portion 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer portion 34 of the cooler 3 are formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the heat transfer wall portion 43, so that the first heat transfer portion 24 and the second heat transfer portion 34 do not block the intermediate sound wave passage 41 of the heat storage device 4. The configuration of the heat-to-sound converter 1 of this embodiment can maximize the heat-to-sound conversion efficiency.

[0039] In addition, one of the first heat transfer portion 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer portion 34 of the cooler 3 may not be formed. In other words, the heat transfer portion in contact with the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat storage device 4 may be formed in only one of the heater 2 and the cooler 3.

[0040] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, the first heat transfer section 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer section 34 of the cooler 3 are configured as follows: referenceA case different from the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8 to Fig. 10, first branch flow paths 25 through which the first fluid F1 flows are formed inside the plurality of first heat transfer sections 24 of the heater 2, branching from the high-temperature side flow path 22 of the first outer peripheral portion 23. In the heater 2, the first fluid F1 flowing into the high-temperature side flow path 22 from the first flow path inlet 221 flows through the high-temperature side flow path 22 and branches from the high-temperature side flow path 22 to flow into the plurality of first branch flow paths 25. The first fluid F1 flowing through the high-temperature side flow path 22 and the first fluid F1 flowing through the plurality of first branch flow paths 25 join in the vicinity of the first flow path outlet 222 and flow out from the first flow path outlet 222.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 8 to 10, second branch flow paths 35 through which the second fluid F2 flows are formed inside the plurality of second heat transfer sections 34 of the cooler 3, branching from the low-temperature side flow path 32 of the second outer peripheral portion 33. Fig. 10 shows the heater 2, but the cooler 3 has a similar structure to the heater 2. In the cooler 3, the second fluid F2 flowing into the low-temperature side flow path 32 from the second flow path inlet 321 flows through the low-temperature side flow path 32 and branches from the low-temperature side flow path 32 to flow into the plurality of second branch flow paths 35. The second fluid F2 flowing through the low-temperature side flow path 32 and the second fluid F2 flowing through the plurality of second branch flow paths 35 join in the vicinity of the second flow path outlet 322 and flow out from the second flow path outlet 322.

[0042] In the thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment, the first heat transfer section 24 reduces the temperature distribution in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L in the heater 2, and the second heat transfer section 34 reduces the temperature distribution in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L in the cooler 3. In addition, the first fluid F1 flowing through the first branch flow path 25 can make the first heat transfer section 24 of the heater 2 higher in temperature. This can further promote heat transfer from the first heat transfer section 24 of the heater 2 to the heat transfer wall section 43 of the heat accumulator 4. In addition, the second fluid F2 flowing through the second branch flow path 35 can make the second heat transfer section 34 of the cooler 3 lower in temperature. This can further promote heat transfer from the heat transfer wall section 43 of the heat accumulator 4 to the second heat transfer section 34 of the cooler 3.

[0043] Other configurations, effects, etc. of the thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment are as follows: reference The configuration, operation, and effect are the same as those of the first embodiment. reference The components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are as follows: reference The components are the same as those in form 1.

[0044] The branch flow path may be formed only in either the first heat transfer section 24 of the heater 2 or the second heat transfer section 34 of the cooler 3.

[0045] In addition, the configuration of each branch flow path 25, 35 in this embodiment may be applied to the configuration of a thermoacoustic converter 1 using a heat accumulator 4 of embodiment 3 described later, or the configuration of a thermoacoustic converter 1 using each thermal conductive material 461, 462 of embodiment 4 described later.

[0046] <Embodiment 3> In this embodiment, the structure of the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat accumulator 4 is as follows: reference A case different from embodiment 1 will be described. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11 to Fig. 13, the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat accumulator 4 is formed at the end portion in the axial direction L of the heat accumulator 4 facing the first heat transfer portion 24 and the second heat transfer portion 34 by the same material as the cell wall 44. The heat transfer wall portion 43 of this embodiment is formed as a part of the axial direction L at both ends of the heat accumulator 4 in the axial direction L. In other words, the heat transfer wall portion 43 is formed separately into a portion that faces and contacts the first heat transfer portion 24 of the heater 2 and a portion that faces and contacts the second heat transfer portion 34 of the cooler 3.

[0047] The heat transfer wall portion 43 in this embodiment is formed by filling both ends in the axial direction L of the through-hole 45 surrounded by the cell wall 44 with a ceramic material of the same quality as the ceramic material constituting the heat accumulator 4. In other words, the heat transfer wall portion 43 is formed by filling both ends in the axial direction L of the through-hole 45 of the cell wall 44 at a position facing the first heat transfer portion 24 and the second heat transfer portion 34 in the heat accumulator 4 with a paste-like ceramic material. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall portion 42, the cell wall 44 and the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat accumulator 4 are made of the same ceramic material.

[0048] In the heat storage device 4 of this embodiment, the heat transfer wall portion 43 can be formed simply. Therefore, the heat transfer wall portion 43 can be easily formed, and it is possible to simultaneously secure the opening area of ​​the intermediate sound wave passage 41 of the heat storage device 4 and secure the heat transfer between the heater 2 and the cooler 3 and the heat storage device 4 with a simple device.

[0049] Other configurations, effects, etc. of the thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment are as follows: reference Form 1 , embodiment The configuration, operation, and effects are the same as those of the second embodiment. reference Form 1 , embodiment The components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in 2 are reference Form 1 , embodiment The components are the same as those in 2.

[0050] The heat transfer wall portion 43 in this embodiment may be formed only at either end of the heat accumulator 4 in the axial direction L. In other words, the heat transfer wall portion 43 may be formed so as to face and contact only the first heat transfer portion 24 of the heater 2, or may be formed so as to face and contact only the second heat transfer portion 34 of the cooler 3.

[0051] The configuration of the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat storage unit 4 of this embodiment is applied to the thermoacoustic converter 1 in which the branch flow paths 25, 35 are formed in the heater 2 and the cooler 3 of the second embodiment. On the other hand, the configuration of the heat transfer wall portion 43 of the heat storage unit 4 of this embodiment is as follows: referenceThis may be applied to the thermoacoustic converter 1 of the first embodiment in which the heater 2 and the cooler 3 are not formed with the branch flow paths 25, 35.

[0052] <Embodiment 4> This embodiment shows a case where separate members are arranged between the heater 2 and the cooler 3 and the heat storage device 4. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, a first heat conductive material 461 made of a material softer than the material constituting the first heat transfer section 24 and the material constituting the heat transfer wall section 43 is sandwiched between the first heat transfer section 24 of the heater 2 and the heat transfer wall section 43 of the heat storage device 4. In addition, a second heat conductive material 462 made of a material softer than the material constituting the second heat transfer section 34 and the material constituting the heat transfer wall section 43 is sandwiched between the second heat transfer section 34 of the cooler 3 and the heat transfer wall section 43 of the heat storage device 4.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first heat transfer section 24 of the heater 2 and the second heat transfer section 34 of the cooler 3 are made of a metal material, and the heat transfer wall section 43 of the heat accumulator 4 is made of a ceramic material. The heat conductive materials 461, 462 arranged between the heater 2 and the heat accumulator 4 and between the cooler 3 and the heat accumulator 4 are made of a metal material, a polymer material, or the like that is softer than the metal material and the ceramic material. The heat conductive materials 461, 462 are formed in a sheet-like or gel-like form as a heat transfer sheet or a heat transfer gel.

[0054] The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the first thermally conductive material 461 in this embodiment is substantially the same as the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the first heat transfer section 24 and the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the heat transfer wall section 43. The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the second thermally conductive material 462 is substantially the same as the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the second heat transfer section 34 and the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the heat transfer wall section 43.

[0055] Each of the thermally conductive materials 461, 462 is used to bring the heater 2 and the heat storage unit 4 into close contact with each other, and the cooler 3 and the heat storage unit 4. Specifically, minute irregularities expressed as surface roughness are formed on the end face in the axial direction L of the first heat transfer unit 24 of the heater 2, the end face in the axial direction L of the second heat transfer unit 34 of the cooler 3, and the end face in the axial direction L of the heat transfer wall unit 43 of the heat storage unit 4. Therefore, the contact surfaces between the first heat transfer unit 24 and the second heat transfer unit 34 and the heat transfer wall unit 43 may be in a point contact state when observed microscopically. In this case, the heat transfer between the first heat transfer unit 24 and the second heat transfer unit 34 and the heat transfer wall unit 43 may be reduced due to an increase in contact thermal resistance.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, by arranging each thermally conductive material 461, 462 between the first heat transfer section 24 and the second heat transfer section 34 and the heat transfer wall section 43, unevenness on the contact surface between the first heat transfer section 24 and the second heat transfer section 34 and the heat transfer wall section 43 can be filled in, thereby improving heat transfer on the contact surface.

[0057] Other configurations, effects, etc. of the thermoacoustic converter 1 of this embodiment are as follows: reference Form 1 ,Embodiment 2, The configuration, operation, and effects are the same as those of the third embodiment. reference Form 1 ,Embodiment 2, The components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in 3 are reference Form 1 ,Embodiment 2, Same as component 3.

[0058] In addition, the thermally conductive materials 461 and 462 in this embodiment may be disposed only between the heater 2 and the heat accumulator 4 or between the cooler 3 and the heat accumulator 4.

[0059] The configuration of the thermal conductive materials 461, 462 of this embodiment is applied to the thermoacoustic converter 1 in which the branch flow paths 25, 35 are formed in the heater 2 and the cooler 3 of the second embodiment. On the other hand, the configuration of the thermal conductive materials 461, 462 of this embodiment is as follows: reference This may be applied to the thermoacoustic converter 1 of the first embodiment in which the heater 2 and the cooler 3 are not formed with the branch flow paths 25, 35.

[0060] <Other> The features of the present invention are as follows. [Section 1] A thermoacoustic converter (1) that converts heat into sound waves by utilizing a thermoacoustic phenomenon, a heater (2) having a first sound wave passage (21) formed on an inner peripheral side of a first outer periphery (23) through which the sound waves pass, and a high-temperature side flow path (22) formed on the first outer periphery through which a first fluid (F1) flows; A second sound wave passage ( 31 a cooler (3) having a low-temperature side flow path (32) formed on the second outer circumferential portion and through which a second fluid (F2) having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid flows; a heat accumulator (4) disposed between the heater and the cooler, the heat accumulator having an intermediate acoustic wave passage (41) formed between a plurality of cell walls (44) through which the acoustic waves pass via the first acoustic wave passage and the second acoustic wave passage, At least one of the heater and the cooler is provided with a heat transfer section (24, 34) that is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first outer circumferential section or the second outer circumferential section and divides the first sound wave passage or the second sound wave passage into a plurality of sections, A thermal acoustic converter, in which a heat transfer wall portion (43) that is thicker than the cell wall and blocks a portion of the intermediate acoustic passage to transfer heat with the heat transfer portion is formed at a position opposite the heat transfer portion in a cross section of the heat accumulator perpendicular to the axial direction (L) along the formation direction of the intermediate acoustic passage. [Section 2] Item 2. The thermoacoustic converter according to item 1, wherein the heat transfer wall portion is formed of the same material as the cell wall over the entire length of the heat storage device in the axial direction. [Section 3] Item 2. The thermoacoustic converter according to item 1, wherein the heat transfer wall portion is formed at an end portion of the heat storage device in the axial direction facing the heat transfer portion, by the same material as the cell wall. [Section 4] The thermoacoustic converter according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein a thermal conductive material (461, 462) made of a material softer than the material constituting the heat transfer part and the material constituting the heat transfer wall part is sandwiched between the heat transfer part and the heat transfer wall part. [Section 5] The thermoacoustic converter according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein a branch flow path (25, 35) is formed inside the heat transfer section, branching from the high-temperature side flow path or the low-temperature side flow path and through which the first fluid or the second fluid flows. [Section 6] The first fluid utilizes exhaust heat of exhaust gas (G) supplied from an exhaust heat source (6), 6. The thermoacoustic converter according to any one of items 1 to 5, which constitutes a thermoacoustic power generation device (5) that generates power by utilizing the sound waves.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the respective embodiments, and further different embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention also includes various modified examples, modifications within the scope of equivalents, etc. Furthermore, the combinations and forms of various components envisioned from the present invention are also included in the technical spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Thermoacoustic converter 2 Heater 24 First heat transfer section 3 Cooler 34 Second heat transfer section 4 Heat storage 41 Intermediate Sonic Passage 43 Heat transfer wall 44 Cell Wall

Claims

1. A thermoacoustic converter (1) that converts heat into sound waves by utilizing a thermoacoustic phenomenon, a heater (2) having a first sound wave passage (21) formed on an inner peripheral side of a first outer periphery (23) and through which the sound waves pass, and a high-temperature side flow path (22) formed on the first outer periphery and through which a first fluid (F1) flows; a cooler (3) having a second sound wave passage (31) formed on an inner peripheral side of a second outer circumferential portion (33) through which the sound waves pass, and a low-temperature side flow path (32) formed on the second outer circumferential portion and through which a second fluid (F2) having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid flows; a heat accumulator (4) disposed between the heater and the cooler, the heat accumulator having an intermediate acoustic wave passage (41) formed between a plurality of cell walls (44) through which the acoustic waves pass via the first acoustic wave passage and the second acoustic wave passage; At least one of the heater and the cooler is provided with a heat transfer section (24, 34) that is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first outer circumferential portion or the second outer circumferential portion and divides the first sound wave passage or the second sound wave passage into a plurality of passages, In the heat accumulator, a heat transfer wall portion (43) is formed at a position facing the heat transfer portion in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (L) along the formation direction of the intermediate sound wave passage, the heat transfer wall portion (43) being thicker than the cell wall and blocking a part of the intermediate sound wave passage to transfer heat to the heat transfer portion, A thermoacoustic converter, wherein the heat transfer wall portion is formed at an end portion of the heat storage device in the axial direction opposite to the heat transfer portion, and is made of the same material as the cell wall.

2. A thermoacoustic converter (1) that converts heat into sound waves by utilizing a thermoacoustic phenomenon, a heater (2) having a first sound wave passage (21) formed on an inner peripheral side of a first outer periphery (23) and through which the sound waves pass, and a high-temperature side flow path (22) formed on the first outer periphery and through which a first fluid (F1) flows; a cooler (3) having a second sound wave passage (31) formed on an inner peripheral side of a second outer circumferential portion (33) through which the sound waves pass, and a low-temperature side flow path (32) formed on the second outer circumferential portion and through which a second fluid (F2) having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid flows; a heat accumulator (4) disposed between the heater and the cooler, the heat accumulator having an intermediate acoustic wave passage (41) formed between a plurality of cell walls (44) through which the acoustic waves pass via the first acoustic wave passage and the second acoustic wave passage; At least one of the heater and the cooler is provided with a heat transfer section (24, 34) that is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first outer circumferential portion or the second outer circumferential portion and divides the first sound wave passage or the second sound wave passage into a plurality of passages, In the heat accumulator, a heat transfer wall portion (43) is formed at a position facing the heat transfer portion in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (L) along the formation direction of the intermediate sound wave passage, the heat transfer wall portion (43) being thicker than the cell wall and blocking a part of the intermediate sound wave passage to transfer heat to the heat transfer portion, A thermoacoustic converter, wherein a thermal conductive material (461, 462) made of a material softer than the material constituting the heat transfer part and the material constituting the heat transfer wall part is sandwiched between the heat transfer part and the heat transfer wall part.

3. The thermal-acoustic converter according to claim 2, wherein the heat transfer wall portion is formed of the same material as the cell wall over the entire axial length of the heat storage device or at an end of the heat storage device in the axial direction opposite the heat transfer portion.

4. A thermoacoustic converter (1) that converts heat into sound waves by utilizing a thermoacoustic phenomenon, a heater (2) having a first sound wave passage (21) formed on an inner peripheral side of a first outer periphery (23) and through which the sound waves pass, and a high-temperature side flow path (22) formed on the first outer periphery and through which a first fluid (F1) flows; a cooler (3) having a second sound wave passage (31) formed on an inner peripheral side of a second outer circumferential portion (33) through which the sound waves pass, and a low-temperature side flow path (32) formed on the second outer circumferential portion and through which a second fluid (F2) having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid flows; a heat accumulator (4) disposed between the heater and the cooler, the heat accumulator having an intermediate acoustic wave passage (41) formed between a plurality of cell walls (44) through which the acoustic waves pass via the first acoustic wave passage and the second acoustic wave passage; At least one of the heater and the cooler is provided with a heat transfer section (24, 34) that is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first outer circumferential portion or the second outer circumferential portion and divides the first sound wave passage or the second sound wave passage into a plurality of passages, In the heat accumulator, a heat transfer wall portion (43) is formed at a position facing the heat transfer portion in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (L) along the formation direction of the intermediate sound wave passage, the heat transfer wall portion (43) being thicker than the cell wall and blocking a part of the intermediate sound wave passage to transfer heat to the heat transfer portion, A thermoacoustic converter, wherein a branch flow path (25, 35) is formed inside the heat transfer section, the branch flow path being branched off from the high-temperature side flow path or the low-temperature side flow path and through which the first fluid or the second fluid flows.

5. A thermal-acoustic converter as described in Claim 4, wherein the heat transfer wall portion is formed from a material of the same quality as the cell wall over the entire axial length of the heat storage device or at the axial end portion of the heat storage device opposite the heat transfer portion.

6. The first fluid utilizes exhaust heat of exhaust gas (G) supplied from an exhaust heat source (6), The thermoacoustic converter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which constitutes a thermoacoustic power generation device (5) that generates power by utilizing the sound waves.

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