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New technology converts sound waves into refrigeration
Washington, Dec 05: In a major leap, scientists have developed a technology that converts sound waves into refrigeration, which could lead to more environment-friendly and efficient household and industrial products.
Washington, Dec 05: In a major leap, scientists have developed a technology that converts sound waves into refrigeration, which could lead to more environment-friendly and efficient household and industrial products.
The research team, led by Steven Garrett, professor of acoustics at Pennsylvania State University in College Park, said the thermo acoustics process, demostrated at a conference yesterday, could be a viable alternative to chemical refrigerants.
Thermoacoustics can work both ways, by removing heat or adding heat. Scientists used tweaked loudspeakers to create high amplitude sound waves in the air.
The amplitude levels were far higher than those at rock concerts, where the decibel level is around 120. At 165 decibels, the sound level is so intense and in the friction gas undergoes huge acoustic undulations.
In the thermoacoustics chilling system, Garrett`s team used 173 decibels and generated five kilowatts of power, the equivalent of nearly 7 horsepower, and managed to bring cooling temperatures down to 8 degrees below zero, well below the freezing point.
"Eventually, the day would come sooner when we may see thermoacoustic chillers in home refrigerators," Garrett told the media.
Ganesh Raman, an Indian associate professor in the mechanical, materials and aerospace engineering department at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago termed the research "revolutionary, exciting and a major leap that comes once in a while".
Bureau Report
The research team, led by Steven Garrett, professor of acoustics at Pennsylvania State University in College Park, said the thermo acoustics process, demostrated at a conference yesterday, could be a viable alternative to chemical refrigerants.
Thermoacoustics can work both ways, by removing heat or adding heat. Scientists used tweaked loudspeakers to create high amplitude sound waves in the air.
The amplitude levels were far higher than those at rock concerts, where the decibel level is around 120. At 165 decibels, the sound level is so intense and in the friction gas undergoes huge acoustic undulations.
In the thermoacoustics chilling system, Garrett`s team used 173 decibels and generated five kilowatts of power, the equivalent of nearly 7 horsepower, and managed to bring cooling temperatures down to 8 degrees below zero, well below the freezing point.
"Eventually, the day would come sooner when we may see thermoacoustic chillers in home refrigerators," Garrett told the media.
Ganesh Raman, an Indian associate professor in the mechanical, materials and aerospace engineering department at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago termed the research "revolutionary, exciting and a major leap that comes once in a while".
Bureau Report