P3: Development of a Thermoacoustic Electric Generator for Exhaust Heat Recovery

The efficiency of internal combustion engines is limited by thermodynamic laws. Thus, the major part of the energy chemically stored in the fuel is converted into heat rather than drive power. The exhaust gases contain around half of this heat and most of the energy. Using thermoacoustic engines, a relevant part of this otherwise lost energy could be recovered. In combination with an acoustic-to-electric transducer, electrical power for the on-board system can be supplied. In this way, the alternator would be relieved which ideally would yield a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Thermoacoustic engines provide a promising combination of favorable properties for waste heat recovery, as compared to alternative technologies. They come with a simple design, which gives them the potential for high reliability and economical production. Moreover, they achieve a relative high efficiency. In the scope of this project, a technology demonstrator including a related test rig will be engineered to analyze the suitability of a thermoacoustic electric generator (TAEG) for exhaust heat recovery. Following, the performance of the TAEG depending on internal parameters (e.g. work pressure) and external parameters (e.g. exhaust temperature) will be examined.

Doctoral Candidate: Alexander Kruse

First (Main-) Supervisor Prof. Dr. Martin Tajmar

Second Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Dominik Möst