Coupling between electrodynamic loudspeakers and thermoacoustic cavities

In thermoacoustic engines, the strong coupling between the sound source and its front and rear loads yields the necessary acoustic energy to be used b y fluid particles in the vicinity of the stack for heat transfer from cold to hot thermal sources. An analytical study of this coupling is presented w hen using available loudspeakers, in order to match together the components of the whole system (acoustic source, thermoacoustic cavity and rear cavit y). Current models for loudspeakers and thermoacoustic refrigerators are us ed to provide electrical networks which describe the behaviour of the coupl ed system. Theoretical and experimental results concerning the frequency re sponse of the system, the acoustic power flux in the cavity and the efficie ncy of the coupled system are presented.