Harnessing sound waves for sustainable energy: Advancements and challenges in thermoacoustic technology

In the face of urgent global environmental challenges, the pursuit of sustainable technologies has become of utmost importance. Thermoacoustic technology has emerged as a promising energy conversion method with potential applications in various domains such as power generation, waste heat recovery, refrigeration, and air conditioning. This technology harnesses the thermodynamic properties of sound waves to convert heat into work or create cooling effects, offering simplicity, reliability, and environmental friendliness. Thermoacoustic devices, including refrigerators and engines, offer a low-carbon alternative to conventional power and refrigeration systems. With minimal mechanical components and no moving parts, they boast durability, easy maintenance, and reduced susceptibility to breakdowns. Despite the advantages, thermoacoustic technology currently faces challenges such as lower efficiency compared to traditional technologies. To achieve efficient performance, these devices depend on a comprehensive understanding of complex flow physics, which encompasses the transient nature of phenomena and the conversion of thermal and acoustic energies. This work provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in thermoacoustic technology, specifically emphasizing prime movers and refrigerators. We present insights into the working mechanisms and performance-affecting parameters of these devices, while discussing future research prospects and obstacles to commercial implementation. This review highlights the need for a deeper understanding of thermoacoustic system mechanisms, with a focus on addressing efficiency and scalability challenges. To make thermoacoustic systems more practical, research endeavors should concentrate on unraveling nonlinear phenomena, developing nonlinear thermoacoustics, and advancing transduction systems, system design, and component optimization. Innovative design strategies, beyond traditional multi-stage and phase-change approaches, along with exploration of alternative energy sources, hold the key to significantly improving overall thermoacoustic system performance, ensuring the continual evolution and prosperity of the field in the decades ahead.