THERMOACOUSTIC MACHINE HAVING AN ELECTRIC FEEDBACK LOOP

摘要

The present invention relates to a thermoacoustic machine which includes: at least one thermoacoustic cell (1) located in a dimensionless high-impedance area made up of a porous matrix (4) inserted between a first heat exchanger (2) operating at a first temperature T1 and a second heat exchanger (3) operating at a second temperature T2 that is different from the first temperature T1, and which enables a Stirling or Ericsson thermodynamic cycle to be carried out by carrying out a motor or heat pump cycle, at least one first energy-conversion system (10) arranged immediately next to the output of the thermoacoustic cell (1) relative to the direction of propagation of the acoustic energy and intended for transforming the acoustic energy produced at the output of the thermoacoustic cell (1) into electric power and, optionally, an additional means (50) used for starting the machine. According to the invention, the machine preferably also includes at least one second energy-conversion system (20) having an output (21) connected to the input of said thermoacoustic cell (1) relative to the direction of propagation of the acoustic energy, and an input (25); and an electric feedback circuit (30) intended for transferring all or part of the electric power produced at the output of the first conversion system (10) towards the input (25) of the second conversion system (20), the respective geometry and/or mechanical characteristics of said conversion systems (10, 20) and the thermoacoustic cell (1) being such that the phase difference between the acoustic pressure and the acoustic vibration of the fluid creates a progressive sound field inside the thermoacoustic cell.