Traveling-wave thermoacoustic electric generator

Traveling-wave thermoacoustic heat engines have been demonstrated to convert high-temperature heat to acoustic power with high efficiency without using moving parts. Electrodynamic linear alternators and compressors have demonstrated high acoustic-to-electric transduction efficiency as well as long maintenance-free lifetimes. By optimizing a small-scale traveling-wave thermoacoustic engine for use with an electrodynamic linear alternator, we have created a traveling-wave thermoacoustic electric generator; a power conversion system suitable for demanding applications such as electricity generation aboard spacecraft.