Thermoacoustic engines (sometimes called 'TA engines') are thermoacoustic devices which use high-amplitude sound waves to pump heat from one place to another (this require work, which is provided by the loudspeaker). Or use a heat difference to produce work in the form of sound waves; these waves can then be converted into electrical current the same way as a microphone does. Thermoacoustic engines (sometimes called 'TA engines') are thermoacoustic devices which use high-amplitude sound waves to pump heat from one place to another (this require work, which is provided by the loudspeaker). Or use a heat difference to produce work in the form of sound waves; these waves can then be converted into electrical current the same way as a microphone does. These device can be designed to use either standing wave or travelling wave. Compared to vapor refrigerators, thermoacoustic refrigerators have no coolant and few moving parts (only the loudspeaker), therefore require no dynamic sealing or lubrication. The ability of heat to produce sound was noted by glassblowers centuries ago.